O I L S P I L L S
Article written by Min Hur
PROBLEM
Oil spills can leave a mark in the area it occurs, and can leave long-lasting effects. These spills can be dangerous for any living species that approaches the area. Oil spills can be defined as any uncontrolled release of crude oil, gasoline, fuels, or other by-products into the environment. Oil spills can be separated into two sections: land oil spills and water oil spills. Oil destroys the insulating ability of fur-bearing mammals, such as sea otters, and the water repellency of bird’s feathers, thus exposing these creatures to the harsh elements; this could cause birds and mammals to die of hypothermia.
CURRENTLY
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The most recent oil spill was in April 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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An explosion of an oil rig released over 130 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. This was one of the largest oil spills in the US waters and was one of the worst environmental disasters in world history.
TAKE ACTION
Oil spills are difficult to help change as a normal individual in the United States; however there are still some things we can do!
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Report oiled, injured, or deceased wildlife or living animals
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Train and volunteer to clean oiled wildlife and oil spills
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Spread awareness about oil spills in your community
MISCONCEPTIONS
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Myth: Once oil enters the Gulf, it will stay there indefinitely
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Truth: The oil takes a long period of time to degrade, however it can degrade naturally, but they do preserve in the environment for a very long time.
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Myth: If a fish or other animal eats oil, it will remain in its body forever and get passed up the food chain
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Truth: The animals died because they were coated in the oil and eating small amounts of oil can be removed from the body.
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Myth: The mixture of oil and dispersant is more toxic than either one alone
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Truth: Dispersants don’t change any inherent properties of oil molecules to make them more toxic.
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Referenced Sources:​
