COREXIT 850,000 Gallons - Gulf Spill

BP has signed another deal for the oil dispersant COREXIT and 850,000 gallons to be sprayed into the Gulf to fight an ever expanding oil slick. 450,000 gallons have been sprayed thus far. Many environmental groups are unsure about these chemicals and their use.

Here are the EPA COREXIT handling instructions (click link for toxicity evaluation).

SPECIAL HANDLING AND WORKER PRECAUTIONS

Ventilation:
Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors. Use with ventilation equal to unobstructed outdoors in moderate breeze.

Skin and eye contact; protective clothing; treatment in case of contact:
Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact, immediately flush eyes with large amounts of water for at least 15 minutes. Get prompt medical attention.

Avoid contact with skin and clothing. In case of skin contact, immediately flush with large amounts of water, and soap if available. Remove contaminated clothing, including shoes, after flushing has begun. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. For open systems where contact is likely, wear long sleeve shirt, chemical resistant gloves, and chemical protective goggles.

What is COREXIT and how does it work?