Tag Archives: oil spill fumes

Gulf oil fumes occur when crude oil hits the surface of the sea water and begins to evaporate and release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Further air contamination occurs when the oil is burned, creating smoke that contains particulate matter along with a whole new set of contaminating toxins. The following focuses primarily on the burning of crude oil.
There is great controversy around the health impacts of burning crude oil. One side argues that the monitoring of air quality and scientific data find few compelling arguments that human health is threatened. On the other side, scientists, industry experts and governing bodies say[...]

CNN once reported that Exxon Valdez cleanup workers had a life expectancy of 51 years old.  Most of those workers have now died. A version of Corexit oil dispersant that is being used in the Gulf was used also in the Exxon Valdez cleanup. Corexit is banned in the UK as well as many other nations and considered roughly only 60% effective. It is ironic Corexit cannot be used in England, but BP is using both Corexit 9500 and 9527A in our waters as the oil dispersant of choice. Corexit is manufactured by NALCO, a company reportedly with closes ties[...]

Reports say that Gulf oil spill cleanup crew members are beginning to get sick from the gases. These gases, emitted from the crude oil are called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These are toxic chemical that are documented to be hazardous to health.
Keep exposure to crude oil and the related VOCs to a minimum with proper air cleaning at the cleanup sites, in boats cabins, offices and homes. Air purifiers are capable of removing these dangerous gases.
What Have We Learned
In some ways we are only beginning to deal with the illnesses and oil related problems from the Gulf oil spill at[...]

Benzene, among others gaseous chemicals, has been found in the Gulf Coast air  at unacceptably high levels. Benzene, a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) is a chemical gas being emitted from the crude oil at the spill. Similar VOCs have been known to travel very long distances and are likely to be present for a few more weeks, maybe months or longer.
Purchase a HealthMate Plus or similar air purifier to cleanse the air in your home. This air cleaner has a large quantity of activated carbon and a medical grade High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filter capable of removing benzene and[...]