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Photograph of parts this leaking oil tank MSDS for Oil Dispersants Exposure Effects, Exposure Limits, Health Hazards

Crude oil dispersants MSDS & hazards:

This document provides information on the contents of Crude Oil, Home Heating Oil, & other fuel oil material safety data sheets or Heating Oil MSDS.

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Crude Oil Dispersant Material Data Safety Sheets - Dispersants Sprayed on Gulf or Injected into Gulf Oil Well Spill: Corexit, Dispersit, Others

Leaky oil tank (C) Daniel FriedmanDispersants, used to break up oil spills both on the water surface and deep below the surface are intended to reduce the impact of crude oil spills on the ocean and its sealife.

In an unprecedented quantity of at least 700,000 gallons, Corexit® dispersants, produced by Nalco Energy Services, for example, were sprayed on the water surface or pumped below the surface in the 2010 oil leak catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control,

Oil spill dispersants break an oil slick into small drops. For most people, brief contact with a small amount of oil spill dispersants will do no harm. However, longer contact can cause a rash and dry skin. Dispersants can also irritate your eyes. Breathing or swallowing dispersants can also cause health effects.

But dispersants themselves are toxic and though diluted by the water into which they are sprayed, may have long term effects on the environment. Although Corexit® product MSDSs include both 2-butoxyethanol and 38% 2-butoxyethanol, (both toxic chemicals) according to the New York Times ("Worry About Dispersant Rises as Men in Work Crew Complain of Health Problems", 28 May 2010), Nalco, the company that produces a series of Corexit dispersant products, has declined to disclose its proprietary chemical formula for these products that incude Corexit 9500, Corexit 9527, and Corexit 9580.

Extent of Use of Corexit Dispersant in the Gulf Oil Spill - Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion

On 20 May 2010, also according to the Times, the U.S. EPA, citing the lack of knowledge of the chemical's impact, directed BP (British Petroleum) to use a less toxic dispersant spray on the Gulf oil spill. At that time the 700,000 gallon Corexit dispersant spray figure was also quoted, making this the largest use ever of chemical dispersants on an oil spill. This article quotes BP spokesman Toby Odone:

“Corexit was an E.P.A.-approved dispersant that had been widely used in the gulf and was available in the quantities we required”

On 20 August 2013, in a key update on possible longer term environmental effects of the use of oil dispersants, in particular Corexit, the New York Times reported that a much greater quantity of Corexit, nearly two million gallons, had been sprayed on the water surface or injected into the oil plume near the leaking oil well head in the Gulf of Mexico following the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion.

The Times 2013 article, reported by Henry Fountain, elaborated wide discrepancies in the level of oil-spill-related contaminants found in the Gulf of Mexico when comparing earlier tests and more recent tests for oil components in water tested as much as 300 miles from the oil well site and near Galveston, Texas as wel as in the opposite direction in the Florida Keys.

Oil & Oil Dispersant Test Sample Error Sources

Possible sources of sampling errors in the original testing in the Gulf cited by the Times article included: [1]

Environmental & Health Effects of Oil Dispersants

The Times 2013 article notes that the recent study of oil contaminants in the Gulf of Mexico found

"... higher levels of many oil-related compounds than earliler studies by NOAA scientists and others, particularly in seawater and sediment. The compounds studied included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which are classified as probably carcinogenic, and volatile organic compounds, which can affect the immune and nervous systems." [1]

According to a Nalco competitor, U.S. Polychemical who makes a competing dispersant Dispersit SPC 1000® that is water-based rather than oil-based,

"Corexit 9500 can cause central nervous system depression, nausea, and unconsciousness. It can cause liver, kidney damage, and red blood cell hemolysis with repeated or prolonged exposure through inhalation or ingestion according to the MSDS. The threat to human health via exposure is characterized a MODERATE".

BP stated that it continues to believe Corexit EC9500A is best alternative dispersant to use in the Gulf oil spill, indicating that

... this one doesn’t contain chemicals that degrade to nonylphenol (NP). Manufacturer indicates COREXIT reaches maximum biodegradation within 28 days of application. It doesn’t persist in the environment. These features make it a better choice for subsea application based on current information. COREXIT has fewer long-term effects than other dispersants.

According to the BP letter published below, five products on NCP product schedule met the EPA criteria in May 19th directive.

  1. Sea Brat #4 – contains a chemical that will degrade to a nonylphenol (NP) and has been identified as a potential endocrine disruptor and a persistent bioaccumulative toxin.
  2. Nokomis 3-F4
  3. Nokomis 3-AA
  4. Mare Clean 200
  5. Neos AB3000

The May 20 2010 Times article reported that Canadian oil spill expert Merv Fingas considers Corexit not much more toxic than other dispersants that have been in use for a long time. [OPINION: simply equating them to one another, such a comparison does not address the absolute actual toxicity of any or all of those products and thus is little more than a red herring.]

A separate and important question remains about the actual effectiveness of dispersants in the Gulf oil spill where very large quantities of oil have been spilled a mile below the surface of the water. By the time that oil reaches the surface it has been emulsified (formed an emulsion mix with water) so that dispersants are not effective.

Oil Dispersant and Corexit MSDS material Data Safety Sheets

In addition to the MSDS links for Corexit products shown here, we have edited the Complete US EPA Table of Crude Oil Dispersants to add links to individual crude oil dispersant product MSDS in the original US EPA Dispersant list.

"May 19, 2010 Addendum 2 to Dispersant Monitoring and Assessment Directive ("Addendum 2")", to Rear Admiral Mary Landry, Commander, Eighth Cost Guard District, New Orleans LA, and Samuel Coleman, P.E., Director, Superfund Division, Dallas TX, from Douglas J. Suggles, B.P. - letter, PDF (U.S. EPA) discusses a comparison of available oil dispersants and the company's basis for choosing Corexit as the dispersant of choice in the circumstances of the Gulf Oil Spill. The letter makes plain that the need for a quick response combined with the availability of Corexit for that choice.

Dispersants Listed by the U.S. EPA with Links to MSDS for Oil Dispersants

Product
(1:10 Product-to-No. 2 Fuel Oil ratio)

 Toxicity
(LC50 values in ppm)		 Effectiveness (%)
Menidia
(96-hr)		 Mysidopsis
(48-hr)		 Prudhoe Bay
Crude Oil		 South Louisiana
Crude Oil		 Average of
Crude Oils
BIODISPERS 5.95 2.66 51.00 63.00 57.00
COREXIT® EC9500A 2.61 3.40 45.30 54.70 50.00
COREXIT® EC9527A 4.49 6.60 37.40 63.40 50.40
DISPERSIT SPC 1000™ 7.90 8.20 40.00 100.00 73.00
FINASOL OSR 52 5.40 2.37 32.50 71.60 52.10
JD-109 3.84 3.51 26.00 91.00 58.50
JD-2000™ [Also see Globemark Test Results] 3.59 2.19 60.40 77.80 69.10
MARE CLEAN 200 (possibly found at http://www.birkocorp.com/Products.html) 42.00 9.84 63.97 84.14 74.06
NEOS AB3000 57.00 25.00 19.70 89.80 54.80
NOKOMIS 3-AA [Data Sheet] 34.22 20.16 63.20 65.70 64.50
NOKOMIS 3-F4 [Data Sheet] 100 58.40 62.20 64.90 63.55
SAF-RON GOLD [EPA letter] 9.25 3.04 84.80 53.80 69.30
SEA BRAT #4 23.00 18.00 53.55 60.65 57.10
SEACARE ECOSPERSE 52 (see FINASOL® OSR 52) 5.40 2.37 32.50 71.60 52.10
SEACARE E.P.A. (see DISPERSIT SPC 1000™) 7.90 8.20 40.00 100.00 73.00
SF-GOLD DISPERSANT (see SAF-RON GOLD) 9.25 3.04 84.80 53.80 69.30
ZI-400 [aircraft cleaner] 8.35 1.77 50.10 89.80 69.90
ZI-400 OIL SPILL DISPERSANT (see ZI-400) 8.35 1.77 50.10 89.80 69.90

Other Dispersants and Oil Spill Remediation Products MSDS Sheets

 

MSDS Data for Corexit 9527

The MSDS for Corexit 9527, a dispersant developed by Nalco Energy Services in the 1980s, and widely used in the Gulf, includes 2-butoxyethanol and 38% 2-butoxyethanol. A question remains about whether the proprietary formula also includes ethylene oxide (a carcinogen), reported by valdezlink.com to have been in a 1989 version.

EXXON CHEMICAL AMERICAS DIV EX -- COREXIT 9527   
=======================================================
MSDS Safety Information 
=======================================================
FSC: 6850
MSDS Date: 06/14/1992
MSDS Num: BRYBG
LIIN: 00F030320
Product ID: COREXIT 9527
MFN: 01
Responsible Party
Cage: 72190
Name: EXXON CHEMICAL AMERICAS DIV EXXON CORP
Box: 3272
City: HOUSTON TX 77001
Info Phone Number: 713-870-6000
Emergency Phone Number: 713-870-6000
Review Ind: Y
Published: Y
=======================================================
Preparer Co. when other than Responsible Party Co. 
=======================================================
Cage: 72190
Name: EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL CO, DIV OF EXXON MOBILCORP.
Address: 13501 KATY FWY
Box: 3272
City: HOUSTON TX 77253-3272
=======================================================
Contractor Summary 
=======================================================
Cage: 72190
Name: EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL CO, DIV OF EXXON MOBILCORP.
Address: 13501 KATY FWY
Box: 3272
City: HOUSTON TX 77253-3272
Phone: 281-870-6000 / 800-726-2015
=======================================================
Ingredients 
=======================================================
Cas: 111-76-2
RTECS #: KJ8575000
Name: 2-BUTOXYETHANOL (ETHYLENEGLYCOL MONOBUTYL ETHER), BUTYL CELLOSOLVE, BUTYL
  GLYCOL, GLYCOL ETHER EB
% Wt: 38
Other REC Limits: 25 PPM (SKIN)
OSHA PEL: S, 50 PPM
ACGIH TLV: S, 25 PPM; 9293
=======================================================
Health Hazards Data 
=======================================================
Route Of Entry Inds - Inhalation: YES
Skin: YES
Ingestion: YES
Carcinogenicity Inds - NTP: NO
IARC: NO
OSHA: NO
Effects of Exposure: EYES: IRRITATING, MAY INJURE TISSUE IF NOT REMOVED
  PROMPTLY. SKIN: IRRITATING. ABSORPTION MAY CAUSE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA &
  KIDNEY DAMAGE EVIDENCED BY PALENESS & RED COLORATION OF URINE.
  INHALATION: RESPIR ATORY TRACT IRRITATION. SYSTEMIC EFFECTS. INGESTION: LOW
  TOXICITY. INHALATION/SKIN OVEREXPOSURE: BLOOD/KIDNEY DAMAGE.
Explanation Of Carcinogenicity: NONE
First Aid: EYES: FLUSH W/PLENTY OF WATER FOR AT LEAST 15 MINS. SKIN: FLUSH
  W/PLENTY OF WATER. USE SOAP IF AVAILABLE. REMOVE CONTAMINATED CLOTHING,
  INCLUDING SHOES, AFTER FLUSHING HAS BEGUN. INHALATION: REMOVE TO  FRESH AIR.
  ADMINISTER ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION IF BREATHING IS STOPPED. KEEP AT REST.
  INGESTION: INDUCE VOMITING. DON'T ATTEMPT TO GIVE ANYTHING BY MOUTH TO AN
  UNCONSCIOUS PERSON. OBTAIN MED ATTN.
=======================================================
Handling and Disposal
=======================================================
Spill Release Procedures: ELIMINATE IGNITION SOURCES. SMALL/LARGE SPILL:
  IMPLEMENT CLEANUP PROCECURES. FOR LARGE IF IN PUBLIC AREA, EVACUATE AREA.
  CONTAIN LIQUID W/SAND/EARTH. DON'T USE COMBUSTIBLES. RECOVER BY PUMPING
  (EXPLOS ION PROOF/HAND PUMP) OR W/A SUITABLE ABSORBENT.
Waste Disposal Methods: DISPOSE OF IN ACCORDANCE W/LOCAL, STATE, & FEDERAL
  REGULATIONS. PREVENT LIQUID FROM ENTERING SEWERS, WATERCOURSES OR LOW AREAS.
  COMPLETELY DRAIN, PROPERLY BUNG & PROMPTLY RETURN EMPTY DRUMS TO A DRUM 
  RECONDITIONER OR PROPERLY DISPOSED OF. NA 1993
Other Precautions: EMPTY CONTAINERS RETAIN RESIDUE & CAN BE DANGEROUS.
  DON'T PRESSURIZE/CUT/WELD/BRAZE/SOLDER/DRILL/GRIND/EXPOSE SUCH CONTAINERS TO
  HEAT/FLAME/SPARKS/ELECRICITY/OTHER IGNITION SOURCES; THEY MAY EXPLODE & 
  CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.
=======================================================
Fire and Explosion Hazard Information 
=======================================================
Flash Point Method: TCC
Flash Point Text: 163F
Lower Limits: 1.1%
Upper Limits: 10.6%
Extinguishing Media: ALCOHOL TYPE FOAM, DRY CHEMICAL OR WATER SPRAY
Fire Fighting Procedures: USE WATER SPRAY TO COOL FIRE EXPOSED SURFACES &
  TO PROTECT PERSONNEL. ISOLATE FUEL SUPPLY FROM FIRE. AVOID SPRAYING WATER
  DIRECTLY INTO STORAGE CONTAINERS.
Unusual Fire/Explosion Hazard: COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID, CAN FORM COMBUSTIBLE
  MIXTURES AT TEMPS AT OR ABOVE THE FLASHPOINT.
=======================================================
Control Measures 
=======================================================
Respiratory Protection: IF THE TLV HAS BEEN EXCEEDED, USE A NIOSH/MSHA APPROVED
  RESPIRATOR.
Ventilation: LOCAL EXHAUST. STORE & HANDLE LABORATORY SAMPLES IN A LAB
  HOOD. PROVIDE MECHANICAL VENTILATION IN CONFINED AREAS.
Protective Gloves: CHEMICAL RESISTANT
Eye Protection: CHEMICAL SAFETY GOGGLES W/FACE SHIELD
Other Protective Equipment: CHEMICAL SUIT, RUBBER BOOTS, LONG SLEEVE CLOTHING.
=======================================================
Physical/Chemical Properties 
=======================================================
B.P. Text: 340F
M.P/F.P Text: -45F
Vapor Pres: 5
Spec Gravity: 1
Evaporation Rate & Reference: (N-BU AC = 1): 0.1
Solubility in Water: COMPLETE
Appearance and Odor: AMBER LIQUID W/GLYCOL ETHER ODOR.
=======================================================
Reactivity Data 
=======================================================
Stability Indicator: YES
Stability Condition To Avoid: HEAT, FLAME, SPARKS, STATIC ELECTRICITY OR OTHER
  SOURCES OF IGNITION.
Materials To Avoid: STRONG OXIDIZING AGENTS
Hazardous Decomposition Products: SMOKE FUMES, CO, CO2
Hazardous Polymerization Indicator: NO
=======================================================
Toxicological Information 
=======================================================
=======================================================
Ecological Information 
=======================================================
=======================================================
MSDS Transport Information 
=======================================================
=======================================================
Regulatory Information 
=======================================================
=======================================================
Other Information 
=======================================================
=======================================================
HAZCOM Label 
=======================================================
Product ID: COREXIT 9527
Cage: 72190
Company Name: EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL CO, DIV OF EXXON MOBILCORP.
Street: 13501 KATY FWY
PO Box: 3272
City: HOUSTON TX
Zipcode: 77253-3272
Health Emergency Phone: 713-870-6000
Label Required IND: Y
Date Of Label Review: 09/30/1993
Status Code: C
Label Date: 09/30/1993
Origination Code: F
Chronic Hazard IND: Y
Eye Protection IND: YES
Skin Protection IND: YES
Signal Word: DANGER
Respiratory Protection IND: YES
Health Hazard: Severe
Contact Hazard: Severe
Fire Hazard: Moderate
Reactivity Hazard: Slight
Hazard And Precautions: EYES: IRRITATING, MAY INJURE TISSUE IF NOT REMOVED
  PROMPTLY. SKIN: IRRITATING. ABSORPTION MAY CAUSE HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA &
  KIDNEY DAMAGE EVIDENCED BY PALENESS & RED COLORATION OF URINE.
  INHALATION: RESPIR ATORY TRACT IRRITATION. SYSTEMIC EFFECTS. INGESTION: LOW
  TOXICITY. INHALATION/SKIN OVEREXPOSURE: BLOOD/KIDNEY DAMAGE. TARGET ORGANS:
  EYES, SKIN, KIDNEYS, RESPIRATORY TRACT, BLOOD.		 T ARGET
  ORGANS: EYES, SKIN, LIVER, KIDNEYS, RESPIRATORY & DIGESTIVE TRACTS,
  HEART.
=======================================================
Disclaimer (provided with this information by the compiling agencies): This
  information is formulated for use by elements of the Department of Defense.
  The United States of America in no manner whatsoever expressly or implied
  warrants, states, or intends said information to have any application, use or
  viability by or to any person or persons outside the Department of Defense
  nor any person or persons contracting with any instrumentality of the United
  States of America and disclaims all liability for such use. Any person
  utilizing this instruction who is not a military or civilian employee of the
  United States of America should seek competent professional advice to verify
  and assume responsibility for the suitability of this information to their
  particular situation regardless of similarity to a corresponding Department
  of Defense or other government situation.


...

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