Toxicity and alternatives
The safety data sheet states “The potential human hazard is: High.”
According to the Alaska Community Action on Toxics, the use of Corexit during the Exxon Valdez oil spill caused “respiratory, nervous system, liver, kidney and blood disorders” in people.[7] According to the EPA, Corexit is more toxic than dispersants made by several competitors and less effective in handling southern Louisiana crude.[11] However, the oil from Deepwater Horizon is not believed to be typical Louisiana crude.
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.’[12] 9527A is also hazardous for humans: ‘May cause injury to red blood cells (hemolysis), kidney or the liver’.[13]
Alternative dispersants which are approved by the EPA are listed on the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule[14] and rated for their toxicity and effectiveness.[15]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corexit
“According to the EPA”
I rest my case.
Actual, the Corexit 9500 MSDS has potential human hazard as moderate.
http://lmrk.org/corexit_9500_uscueg.539287.pdf
That’s the product being used in the Gulf.
I suppose environmentalist bozos would prefer that no dispersant or other appropriate technology be used so that the oil will wash ashore as a punishment for America’s environmental sins.