The harmful and powerful odor of oil is truly detrimental and can cause many health issues. “In 1899, the state enacted the first laws regulating the industry, requiring operators to cap off wells to protect groundwater and to stop letting natural gas escape into the air…” (The Story of Texas) Especially if the oil has contaminated the town’s water resources can lead to serious health issues. As mentioned before the town of Beaumont did suffer from water contamination and had a shortage of clean water to drink from. Limited water resources forced the people to drink from lakes that were contaminated and later caused sever stomach cramps.
The personal effect mostly provoked oilfield workers and families to live and sleep in their vehicles or anywhere the people could find a safe place. People in the Oil Boom towns were living there to find work and “On November 1, 1917, approximately 10,000 Texas and Louisiana oilfield workers walked off the job to protest long hours and low pay…” (the Story of Texas) unfortunately, oil producers refused to accept federal authority and denied a higher pay for the oilfield workers. Living in the Oil Boom towns was overall an inhumane and infested place to live