Tampa Dermatologist Says Chemicals Used in Gulf Oil Cleanup Could Cause Health Problems for Years to Come
Dr. Seth Forman warns the COREXIT dispersant that has been pumped into the Gulf of Mexico will have an 'agent orange' effect.
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(PRNewsChannel) / May 31, 2010 /
TAMPA, Fla. / Dr. Seth Forman says the chemicals used to clean up the oil spill along the Gulf coast of Louisiana could have lasting effects. The Tampa dermatologist points out two of the chemical dispersants used by BP to break up the oil are banned by the United Kingdom for environmental and health concerns.
“We all know how important it is to clean up all of the oil that’s in the Gulf, but there are safer ways to do it,” says the Tampa dermatologist. “Several workers helping with the clean-up process were taken to the hospital this week to be treated for side-effects from the harsh chemicals.”
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered BP to halt the use of the chemical dispersant COREXIT earlier this week and find a safer alternative. BP officials argued that COREXIT is not as harmful as believed, although the chemical’s label warns that it will irritate eyes and skin on contact. The label also warns that, if inhaled, it could harm red blood cells. The EPA has since asked BP to reduce the amount of COREXIT used.
“BP has already pumped more than 800,000 gallons of this toxin into the Gulf of Mexico,” says the Tampa dermatologist. “While it is good the EPA is forcing BP to reduce the amount of COREXIT used, the damage is already done. We will see the effects of this for years to come, similar to ‘agent orange’ in the 1960’s.”
Dr. Forman says workers helping with the clean-up efforts need to be extremely careful. He says gloves and protective clothing should be worn at all times to avoid the oil and dispersants coming in contact with skin. The Tampa dermatologist also says you should wash with soap and water immediately after work, even if no oil or dispersants touched your skin.
For more on Dr. Seth Forman or Tampa dermatology, please visit www.formanderm.com.
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Source: formanderm.com
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