In an attempt to break up the oil from the massive spill in the Gulf, BP is using chemical dispersants to break the oil into smaller particles. So far around 250,000 gallons of chemical materials have been dropped from planes across the affected areas in the Gulf of Mexico. They are not sure about its environmental impact to the ocean floor, so they have decided to stop dispersing chemicals below the sea to review the situation.

The researchers are trying to figure out what impact the chemical process will have on the ocean floor, both short term and long term.  Scientists and experts have welcomed the decision the halt the deepwater injections to check the results before continuing. There are many researchers and authorities that are against using the powerful dispersant this close to shore.  “In this spill, the decision was made to ignore the potential impacts offshore to try and keep the oil from coming onshore, and so I hold my nose and support it,” said Ed Overton, LSU professor emeritus of environmental sciences.

Since so little is known about the environment and habitats for fish and other aquatic creatures on the ocean floor, researchers deemed it most important to stop the chemical dispersant until more is known about their effects.

The chemicals authorities are using Corexit 9500 and a second dispersant that is being piped into the main oil line is called Corexit EC9527A.  Both of these products claim to be biodegradable, however, they do contain chemicals similar to anti-freeze.

If this chemical dispersant is like anti-freeze, then BP is systematically poisoning the sea and everything in it.

Two ounces of ethylene glycol antifreeze can kill a dog, one teaspoon can be lethal to a cat, and two tablespoons can be hazardous to children.

What makes conventional antifreeze so dangerous?

When ingested, ethylene glycol converts to oxalic acid which damages the kidneys and can cause kidney failure and death.