Thousands of backyard oil refineries are scattered across parts of Syria, and displaced residents rely on them for fuel to survive. But working inside these hellish facilities is dangerous – and it's wreaking havoc on the environment. We went to al-Bab, Syria, to find out why these illegal oil refineries are here in the first place, and why they're a necessary evil for the people living in Syria.

00:00 - Introduction | A ticking time bomb
01:13 - A safe haven in Syria
02:03 - Inside the refinery
02:47 - How crude oil becomes fuel
03:15 - Cleaning out the oil drums
04:35 - Injuries from the oil field
05:34 - Health and environmental costs
06:08 - History of the makeshift refineries
08:17 - Why oil is a lifeline here
08:56 - White Helmets: Responding to explosions
10:17 - No other options
11:46 - Ahmed's horse stable
12:15 - Conclusion | Wishing for a liberated Syria

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Why Backyard Oil Refineries in Syria Are A Ticking Time Bomb | Risky Business | Insider News