The discharge of crude oil or liquid petroleum into the surroundings causes oil spills. Oil spills are common in seas and oceans due to accidents involving oil tankers and ships that result in oil release into the sea. Oil spills may also occur due to natural seepage or runoff from the land. Oil spills are hazardous not only to plants and animals but also to human beings.
An oil spill that occurred on 11 March 2009 in off Moreton Island, Australia raised queries as to whether oil spill sludge is considered to be carcinogenic. Nearly 250 tonnes of oil escaped from the container ship Pacific Adventurer. During this disaster, oil washed up on Sunshine Coast beaches, Bribie Island, and Moreton Island. Along with the oil spill, the cargo ship also lost 31 containers of toxic ammonium nitrate into the sea.
Initial incidents during oil spill cleanup reported that some coastal swimmers complained of a burning sensation after swimming in the water. There were also claims that walking over the oil spill caused the soles of shoes to be burnt. Suspecting that the oil spill may be toxic, authorities insisted that the people involved in manual oil spill cleanup should be properly attired to prevent infection. The number of volunteers involved in the oil spill cleanup was limited. These volunteers were provided with overalls, gloves, and goggles to prevent contact with the oil spill sludge. Those engaged in oil spill cleanup process also needed a level two breathing apparatus. This oil spill sludge was suspected of being carcinogenic.
The allegation was ruled out Deputy Premier Paul Lucas. He stated that he did not experience any burning sensation when he walked over the oil and found nothing had happened to his. He is also received criticism from the opposition party for being lethargic to respond to the situation.
This incident throws light on the potential carcinogenic effect of oil spills. Direct skin contact with oil leads to skin irritation. At oil spill sites, exposure may cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, and other unpleasant effects. Certain hydrocarbon components in crude oil are known to be cancer causing. All these evidences show that oil spill sludge is carcinogenic and extreme caution must be employed in the execution of oil spill cleanup.
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