Photo: Greenpeace
Toxic compounds from the oil spill have been found to cause respiratory problems and potentially even alter DNA. According to Dr. Krisada Siramput, director of the International Anti-Ageing Centre, there is a high possibly that sea life has absorbed harmful chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Dr. Krisada was assigned by The Thailand Centre for Excellence for Life Sciences to examine possible threats resulting from the oil spill in Rayong. Krisada believes that the crude oil can react with sunlight forcing evaporation and the spread of pollutants.
Exposure to crude oil pollutants can cause eye, throat, nasal irritation and nausea. In severe cases, “it can even damage the nervous system,” warned Dr. Krisada.
Krisada is urging to discontinue the use of microorganisms and chemical dispersants to remove oil. Sorasak Saensombat, director-general of the Marine Department, agrees and ordered yesterday that PTTGC cease use of chemicals.
However, PTTGC insists that the chemical dispersant is safe for the environment and complies with Pollution Control Department regulations. PTTGC president Bowon Vongsinudom could not recall the exact chemical name but that it is only being used in deep-sea zones. The chemical is designed to split the crude oil into small fragments, which sink a meter into the sea and then are naturally destroyed by microorganisms. He went further to say, “it has already been proved that this chemical is not dangerous for the environment. Don’t worry.”
The chemical is called “Slickgone NS” and is produced by UK-based company Dasic International. The product is international approved and classified as non-hazardous. PTTCG has secured several thousand tons of the chemical, reports The Nation.
