BP is using toxic dispersants in Gulf

Dispersants are toxic

Our colleagues at Next Generation Oil and Gas have been extensively covering the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, but with the oil slick now reaching the US coast disturbing news has been revealed that BP are using toxic dispersants in an effort to disperse the oil, and despite EPA protests, they won't stop using them.

With the oil slick still not contained, BP have been trying everything that they can to clean up the spill, including enlisting Kevin Costner's help, but according to the Environmental Protection Agency, one of the dispersants that the oil firm is using on the slick is highly toxic.

The chemical dispersant is being used by BP to break up massive amounts of oil, but according to the EPA is highly dangerous to marine life. As such BP was given 24 hours to find a new, less harmful solution, but the oil giant has responded by saying Corexit isn't as toxic as they think and that they were just going to keep on using it as it's doing a good job.

While the clean-up operation is still underway in the Gulf, with artificial barriers being created along the coast to try and prevent the destruction of the wetlands, this latest scandal will not do much to convince BP's critics that are they have the situation under control.

Dispersant toxic to humans

According to the EPA, Corexit irritate eyes and skin if it comes in contact with them, and should not be be inhaled as it could harm red blood cells, kidney or liver if swallowed. This is what it does to humans, so what havoc it could play on the Gulf's eco-systems is unimaginable.

The company has already been dragged over the coals by Congress and this latest incident is sure to make many more think that BP have lost control of the operation. However BP are vigorously defending their corner saying, Corexit is the best solution for this issue. Of course the fact that BP has an inventory of 246,380 gallons of the chemical ready for use, could go someway to explain why they're so eager to use it.

Relevant articles:

What does the oil spill mean for US drilling policy? | Oil spill latest: BP still the company to clean up mess | Oil spill latest: Kevin Costner's oil filtration tech

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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