Tree huggers and others might look up oil dispersants. It's a worry!

I agree with arthurm.

Are there toxicology studies to determine the short or long term effects of these dispersants on aquatic, avian or mammalian life?

What EXACTLY are these dispersants?? I haven't seen the "names" of the chemicals yet.... THAT is very worrisome!

Bob, thanks for the kick start! :)

--Stitz--

Link to the Center of Disease Control on the dispersant Corexit.

Brooke

Here is a link that might be useful: CDC and Corexit

Brooke, Thank you for the information that you provided. It is GOOD basic info.

I am looking for specific toxicology data. Anyone have links? Pardon my specificity. I worked in toxicology research for an eon or two.

--Stitz--

here is the stuff i read.

Here is a link that might be useful: wiki link

the following is an excerpt from arthurm's link:
" Reportedly Corexit may be toxic to marine life and helps keep spilled oil submerged. There is concern that the quantities used in the Gulf will create 'unprecedented underwater damage to organisms.'[26] Nalco spokesman Charlie Pajor said that oil mixed with Corexit is "more toxic to marine life, but less toxic to life along the shore and animals at the surface" because the dispersant allows the oil to stay submerged below the surface of the water.[27] Corexit 9500 causes oil to form into small droplets in the water; fish may be harmed when they eat these droplets.[4] According to its Material safety data sheet, Corexit may also bioaccumulate, remaining in the flesh and building up over time.[28] Thus predators who eat smaller fish with the toxin in their systems may end up with much higher levels in their flesh.[4]"

As I interpret this information, MORE data needs to be analyzed about these products.

--Stitz--

Bob here is a long article discussing where the oil went. It also has some more information of Corexit and how it works, particularly regarding marine life.

Brooke

Here is a link that might be useful: Gulf Disaster

Brooke, there is a little problem re. the source of your article. I bet i could find an article written by the greens that would tell an entirely different story. So the truth is probably that no one knows if there are going to to be any long term bad things happening as the result of the spill.

I did ask the ex resident boffin what he thought and he was hopeful that those little bugs that housewives love to kill might clean up the mess but where is the research?

Perhaps the big plus is the warmth of the water that might give nature a big helping hand.

Brooke,

I actually believe the 24 hours news channels have caused the panic. Not just the left or right, but both. And the administration freaked out and tried to do something to appear as if they were in control (banned deep water drilling, BS). Even worse IMO, is that they aren't doing much to try and help the gulf coast. In truth, at least here in OH, the only TV commercials I've seen about telling people to come back to the coast were either by BP or the local/state governments. I have not seen a lot from the National side, just 'worry' about what might happen. This could just be my perspective, but... If Ms. President would have taken her daughter to the Gulf instead of Spain for her b-day, that would have done a world of good for tourism down there. But I bet Spain got a few extra bucks because of their visit.

As far as the COREXIT, I'm not sure there was a choice.

Bob

Arthur you can find all sorts of "green" blogs getting their panties in a wad but like my first link I provided regarding Corexit, I gave you information from the CDC which is a government agency, the Center for Disease Control and the research they have done on the product. You linked to Wikipedia, well known to possibly have incorrect information because any idiot can add anything they want to the page. The CDC is controlled by my government.

The author of the article is a retired newsperson - retired from Newsday, not exactly a "right wing" publication.

He quotes the NOAA - the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association - again another government agency.

He quotes Adm. Allen - the government appointee in charge of the situation on the Gulf.

He quotes Arthur Berman - someone who is a skeptic of the oil industry.

He quotes Chuck Watson - well-known computer model expert who said the computer model of the spill reaching the east coast was bogus.

He quotes the EPA - Environmental Protection Agency - they want to ban cow farts and the dust farmers kick up when they plow.

He tells you why Corexit is banned for use on the coast of England. It isn't toxicity, it is the slipperiness because teetiny little critters can't hang onto rocks. It is not banned for open water spills.

"To the extent we need to worry about subtle, long-term environmental problems, the issue of residual oil is 100 times more important than Corexit".

If you pretend the Gulf of Mexico is a football field - American football Arthur - the oil spill was the size of a 24 oz. container of beer. If you don't imbibe, a 24 oz. Coke bottle.

Bob the real damage will end up being the oil was permitted to reach the marshes. I did hear yesterday some of the grasses are starting to regrow already. Hopefully Ma Nature is going to work overtime to help the coast and her little Scrubbing Bubble (Arthur that is a well known commercial product to clean toilets) bacteria are eating the dispersed oil.

Bob don't begrudge the first lady her vacation trip. I love seeing the pics of the Secret Service surrounding her - those are tough looking dudes. The Obamas are going to the Gulf coast this week-end for a small vacation before they take their big vacation on Martha's Vineyard.

Brooke

Arthur you can find all sorts of "green" blogs getting their panties in a wad but like my first link I provided regarding Corexit, I gave you information from the CDC which is a government agency, the Center for Disease Control and the research they have done on the product. You linked to Wikipedia, well known to possibly have incorrect information because any idiot can add anything they want to the page. The CDC is controlled by my government.

The author of the article is a retired newsperson - retired from Newsday, not exactly a "right wing" publication.

He quotes the NOAA - the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association - again another government agency.

He quotes Adm. Allen - the government appointee in charge of the situation on the Gulf.

He quotes Arthur Berman - someone who is a skeptic of the oil industry.

He quotes Chuck Watson - well-known computer model expert who said the computer model of the spill reaching the east coast was bogus.

He quotes the EPA - Environmental Protection Agency - they want to ban cow farts and the dust farmers kick up when they plow.

He tells you why Corexit is banned for use on the coast of England. It isn't toxicity, it is the slipperiness because teetiny little critters can't hang onto rocks. It is not banned for open water spills.

"To the extent we need to worry about subtle, long-term environmental problems, the issue of residual oil is 100 times more important than Corexit".

If you pretend the Gulf of Mexico is a football field - American football Arthur - the oil spill was the size of a 24 oz. container of beer. If you don't imbibe, a 24 oz. Coke bottle.

Bob the real damage will end up being the oil was permitted to reach the marshes. I did hear yesterday some of the grasses are starting to regrow already. Hopefully Ma Nature is going to work overtime to help the coast and her little Scrubbing Bubble (Arthur that is a well known commercial product to clean toilets) bacteria are eating the dispersed oil.

Bob don't begrudge the first lady her vacation trip. I love seeing the pics of the Secret Service surrounding her - those are tough looking dudes. The Obamas are going to the Gulf coast this week-end for a small vacation before they take their big vacation on Martha's Vineyard.

Brooke

Michelle Obama is doing penance. She went to Annapolis, Maryland and Charlottesville, Virginia this week!

Kick start the conversations side...in the good old days most topics here usually drifted on to food. What is the point of political bashing on a thread about the oil spill?
Drifting on to food... i suppose that might be the worry and the unknown here. The possible concentration of nasty stuff in the food chain.

" Drifting on to food... i suppose that might be the worry and the unknown here. The possible concentration of nasty stuff in the food chain. "

I agree.
TIME is an important variable while thoroughly monitoring the accumulation of potential toxins into the food chain.

--Stitz--

How many damn vacations do the Obamas really need? Besides that must be hard to fit them into the schedule between all the rounds of golf and games of basketball. Oh and the fund-raising trips.

I hate politics but it just makes me want to be certain I go vote!!!ginnibug

I love this sort of stuff because you have to feel a bit for politicians of every type.
Obama was supposed to visit here and Indonesia and then the pipe burst so then his minders/advisors would have said . "No you cannot go! The voters will get angry."
So no holiday. We have just had a five week election campaign. Do not worry about the politics. The point i'm making is that it's a dogs life to be a politician and you have to be super fit to be one.

I knew you didn't get good information in Aussieland Arthur - the first trip was cancelled so he could apply pressure to his wobblies to pass Obamacare.

The second trip was cancelled because he was looking for some azz to kick.

Remember November and do it the Chicago way, early and often.

Brooke

ginnibug,

Perhaps you are young enough to remember President Dwight "Ike" Eisenhower?

Eisenhower was a very frequent user of the golf courses in our pleasant land. Why? He was recovering from a serious heart attack. "Ike" also enjoyed many summer vacations with his family.

If BO chooses to play golf and basketball in order to keep his body and mind fit, cut him some slack! If BO chooses to spend some time with his family (rather than an intern), cut him some slack!!

Those of you who frequent this Forum know that hell just froze. For me to cast any positive light in BO's direction? It's extraordinary.

Brooke - do it the Chicago way?
There is one way that any voter can help to prevent voter fraud - work from within the process as an Elections Judge. You will meet some of the friendliest people in the world, your neighbors! You get to challenge each voter and the "system" at every opportunity. I have enjoyed this opportunity for several decades. I have two more elections ahead in 2010. EACH time, I always get excited!

Certainly, there are system problems which extend beyond the control of the Chief Judge at your local precinct.

Remember 2000! :)

--Stitz--

Stitz, you are a worry. Five weeks of torture are over, i no longer need to press the mute button when those rubbish political adds appear.

Now do not give me all this freedom stuff again. Your country would be a very different place with compulsory voting. Might be better, might be worse.

Seeing you seem to be a political junkie. Here is snippet from the senate vote for NSW.

Shooters & Fishers 2.29% of total votes.
Christian Democratic Party 1.97%
Australian Sex Party 1.73%
Communist 0.16%

I think, with non compulsory voting that some of these groups would be more of a political force.

arthur, I can see why you are "relieved" that your five week ordeal is finished!

I just watched an advertisement for "jerk choices".
Amusing!

The "Shooters & Fishers" seem preoccupied with what they are against rather than being for much of anything.

Enjoy your siesta!

--Stitz--

Sorry to tell you Stitz that i am not having a Siesta. Next task is to hire an escort so i can take the loot from a four day orchid show to the bank and then i have to sort the sales tickets, balance the money, write the cheques and so on. Never volunteer!

Arthur, I recently found a wonderful volunteer opportunity by helping a local museum with orchid care one morning each week. Some volunteer activity comes without "attachments"! :)

--Stitz--

Here is an update on life under the sea in the Gulf of Mexico.

Brooke

Here is a link that might be useful: Sea Life Flourishes

I hope that EVERY one understands that there is no threat to Gulf of Mexico oysters. The price of Chesapeake Bay oysters has climbed since this catastrophe.

Please, buy Gulf oysters -- Leave the Chesapeake Bay oysters for the locals!! :)

--Stitz--