Oil spills are one form of disaster that is not a natural disaster, but one that people have caused. An oil spill can harm birds, mammals, marine life and the environment in several ways via direct physical contact, toxic contamination, destruction of food sources, habitats, and reproductive problems.
What is a hazard?
A hazard is a potential source of harm or danger (whether natural or human) that can cause damage to health, life, property, and the environment.