WASHINGTON - Plans to burn off oil from the surface of the water from BP's blown out well are raising questions about the health and safety of hundreds of workers. BP and Washington are in new territory over the worst environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. An oil spill this large has never attempted in history.
The scientist extrapolate that the oil spill was leaking more than 2 million gallons per day before the cut and cap maneuver, calculating that over 100 million gallons have leaked into the Gulf of Mexico since April 22, 2010.
The incineration of the oil on the surface of the water would create smoke and fumes that could effect 2,000 people working in the area. Dozens of rigs and ships have been stationed in the adjoining areas. The estimates have included burning 420,000 gallons of oil per day.
Dr. Phil Harber, a professional at UC Los Angeles said that buring the oil could expose workers to toxins that may cause severe respiratory problems depending on how the oil is burned.
The unanticaped exposure from the smoke cloud would cause workers to have significant exposure with little protection at all.
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