"An unknown variable on the overall cycle is the introduction of BP's dispersant of choice, Corexit 9500, which may be either helping or hurting the degree of evaporation. Dispersants break up the natural surface tension in oil, sending small droplets into the water column and reducing the surface area which may evaporate, however it also changes the chemistry of the oil which remains on the surface. We have yet to find any science on the subject of the evaporation rates of these compounds or their likelihood to come back down as contaminated rain.
In the worst case scenario this sheen is actually oil mixed Corexit, which according to Bellona.org:
is associated with headaches, vomiting and reproductive problems as sides effects at high doses to clean-up workers. 2-BE has also been documented to cause the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to blood in urine and feces, and can damage the kidneys, liver, spleen and bone marrow of humans – effects not included on the information sheet for workers.
Whatever the case is, don't expect relief to come any time soon. We learned today there's now more oil gushing into the gulf after BP's containment cap failed."
EDIT: I suspect the 'crop damage' recently being reported across Louisiana is due to Corexit, rather than oil evaporation......it just goes from bad to worse.....
