OIL SPILL CLEAN UP and COREXIT

Corexit is a product used to break up oil slicks.  It is made by the Nalco Holding Company which works in a partnership with BP Oil and Exxon Oil. Corexit is the most-used dispersant in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, with COREXIT 9527 having been replaced by COREXIT 9500 after the former was deemed too toxic.

On May 19, 2010 the Evironmental Protection Agency gave BP 24 hours to choose less toxic alternatives to Corexit but BP refused to change from Corexit, citing safety and availability concerns and kept on spraying. BP has used Corexit EC9500A and Corexit EC9527A thus far, applying 800,000 US gallons (3,000,000 l) total but more accurate estimates run as high as 1,000,000 US gallons (3,800,000 l) underwater.

The relative toxicity of Corexit and other dispersants are difficult to determine due to a scarcity of scientific data. Nalco's safety data sheet states "No toxicity studies have been conducted on this product," and later concludes "The potential human hazard is: Low."  However,the Alaska Community Action on Toxics says, the use of Corexit during the Exxon Valdez oil spill caused "respiratory, nervous system, liver, kidney and blood disorders" in people. 9527A is also hazardous for humans: 'May cause injury to red blood cells (hemolysis), kidney or the liver'.

Reportedly Corexit is toxic to marine life and helps keep spilled oil submerged. The quantities used in the Gulf will create 'unprecedented underwater damage to organisms.' Petroleum distillates, a major component of Corexit accounting for 10–30% by volume, are known to cause cancer in animals.   (Info taken from Wikipedia:  Corexit Article)


LOOK NALCO has a Youtube channel to "calm our fears":

This video stars Nalco CEO Erik Fyrwald (May 22, 2010).


NALCO educational video posted on their Corporate site.