http://www.sciencecorps.org/gulfspillchemicals.html

June 10, 2010     

 

Many products are used on oil spills, including dispersants, surface washing and collecting agents, and bioremediation agents. This webpage discusses potential health effects of the dispersants used on the BP Gulf of Mexico spill through June 10, 2010. 

 

Potential health effects that are discussed on this webpage were determined based on a review of peer reviewed medical science obtained primarily from federal sources.  This webpage offers information to the health community and the public to improve access to relevant medical science, inform protective actions, and assist in identifying susceptible populations.  A discussion of the toxicity of dispersant chemicals used to date and harm they can cause in combination with crude oil should be used with a tandem webpage on crude oil hazards. Crude oil and dispersants contain chemicals that are hazardous individually and in combination. The likelihood of harm depends on dose and individual susceptibility.

This webpage should not be relied upon for diagnosis or medical treatment and does not provide specific medical guidance, which must be obtained from an individual’s personal medical care provider. 

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The following information is provided on this webpage:

General characteristics of dispersants

Micelles

Chemical ingredient issues

Information on the two products in use: Corexit 9527A and 9500A

Crude oil and dispersants combined with summary of health hazards

Failure of the government to fully disclose testing results

Essential information list provided to Congress

EPA ingredient list matched to chemicals on this website

Chemical ingredients that are discussed include the following:

propylene glycol

polypropylene glycol butyl ether

DSS

2-butoxyethanol (2-BE)

hydrotreated light petroleum distillates