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Report Released Analyzing Toxicity of Dispersants Used In Gulf Oil Disaster

September 1, 2011 Comments off

Report Released Analyzing Toxicity of Dispersants Used In Gulf Oil Disaster
Source: Earthjustice

A report released today states that five of the 57 ingredients in dispersants eligible for use in response to oil spills are linked to cancer. Dispersants are used to clean up oil spills and contain chemicals that break up oil into smaller droplets and move the oil from the surface of the water into the water column. The report presents the findings of research on the potential effects of the oil dispersants and their chemical ingredients on humans and the environment and calls for additional toxicity testing of these chemicals and the dispersants and more careful selection of dispersants in response to oil spills.

The Chaos Of Clean-Up.

The report “The Chaos of Clean-Up: Analysis of Potential Health and Environmental Impacts of Chemicals in Dispersant Products”highlights the fact that some dispersants are safer than others.

The report from Earthjustice, an environmental law firm, along with Toxipedia Consulting Services, is based on material released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to a Freedom of Information Act request made by Earthjustice on behalf of the Gulf Restoration Network and the Florida Wildlife Federation.

Earthjustice went to court to obtain the ingredients of dispersants eligible for use; health and safety studies on the chemicals in dispersants; the application materials and toxicity testing results submitted to EPA by dispersant manufacturers seeking to obtain eligibility status for their dispersant; and correspondence between EPA and BP about the selection of an appropriate dispersant during the Deepwater Horizon disaster. All of these materials are now available at Toxipedia.org.

Categories: Earthjustice, energy, environment, public health, safety

Cancer-Causing Chemical in the Water: New Report Details Risk

February 8, 2011 Comments off

Cancer-Causing Chemical in the Water: New Report Details Risk
Source: Earthjustice

Just weeks after recent headlines about hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing toxic chemical, contaminated drinking water systems around the U.S., a new report shows that scores of leaking coal ash sites across the country are additional documented sites for such contamination.

Hexavalent chromium first made headlines after Erin Brockovich sued Pacific Gas & Electric because of poisoned drinking water from hexavalent chromium. Now, new information indicates that the chemical leaks readily from leaking coal ash dump sites maintained for coal-fired power plants.

Public interest law firm Earthjustice, Physicians for Social Responsibility and Environmental Integrity Project are pushing for federally-enforceable safeguards from coal ash as this new information is released. Also, in a signal that the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee recognizes the hazards of hexavalent chromium exposure, they have called on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to testify tomorrow on a hearing about the chemical.

+ Full Report (PDF)

Categories: Earthjustice, environment, health and health care, public safety
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