There are myriad concerns surrounding the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, chief among them is the current and potential harm to the ecosystem. Not only did 11 workers lose their lives in this catastrophe, but also there is the possibility that more people will become sick due to the chemicals BP is using to control the oil spill.

Chemicals Used to Mitigate Oil Spill

BP is using the chemical Corexit 9500, which is both pumped onto the sea bed at the point of the spill and is also sprayed onto surface oil. This chemical is intended to help mitigate the damage caused by the oil leak and to break up the oil into tiny chunks that will disperse more rapidly. However, Corexit 9500 has received approval only for use on the surface of the ocean.

Although the chemical dispersant should help to lessen the damage the oil is inflicting on the ocean, there are also negative side effects. For one thing, Corexit 9500 is toxic to marine life, which means that fish and other sea creatures could be killed as a result of its use.

Furthermore, the use of Corexit 9500 might also be harmful to people who are exposed during clean up and remediation operations. The Gulf of Mexico is also used for a variety of water activities, from fishing to water sports and to beach activities. Environmentalists and chemical experts are concerned about the long-term effects of using Corexit 9500 in the Gulf oil spill and the harmful effects it may have on humans who are exposed to this chemical.

Legal Liability for Gulf Oil Spill

BP, Transocean, Halliburton and Cameron International are named defendants in more than 100 lawsuits claiming everything from wrongful death and personal injury to lost wages, business loss, lost profits and loss of use of property. These lawsuits have been brought by individuals, workers, fishermen, oyster fishermen, shrimpers, restaurant owners, condo owners and any others who earn income in the gulf coast region affected by the spill.

Should Corexit 9500 prove injurious to human beings, more personal injury lawsuits may surface over time. Indeed, since it is difficult to control the spread of toxic chemicals in the ocean, there is virtually no limit to the potential harm to humans and marine life this chemical might cause.

Chemical Exposure

Chemical exposure can cause a number of symptoms in humans, some of which mimic the symptoms of other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose. According to the Virginia Department of Health, chemical exposure can cause stomach pain, headaches, nausea, skin irritation and blurred vision. Over time, chemical exposure can lead to far more serious side effects, including strokes, seizures and death.

If you have been exposed to, and injured by, exposure to chemicals, including Corexit 9500, contact an attorney right away.