oil spills 515
Water pollution from oil
It is very harmful to drink water that has oil in it. The water that comes out of
the ground when oil is drilled is also very toxic.
Filters that clean oil and toxic chemicals out of water are very costly.
Boiling water, using solar disinfection, and adding chlorine to water (see
pages 92 to 99) kill germs but cannot get rid of oil pollution.
Adding chlorine actually makes oil pollution worse because it combines
with some of the chemicals called “phenols” to form an even more toxic
chemical called “chlorophenol.”
If an oil spill has been cleaned up, even if you do not see oil in the water, the
water is still probably not safe. Many of the toxins in oil settle into the water
and stay for a long time. The only way to be sure water is safe is to have it
tested.
How to keep safe after an oil spill
• Avoid contact with the oil. Keep children and animals
away from the spill. If possible, put a fence around
the area and post a warning sign.
• Use a source of water upstream from the spill.
Even if you have to walk a long way, it is worth
it to prevent health problems. Where oil has
spilled, rainwater may be the only safe
water to drink.
• Avoid eating animals that live in water
such as crabs, shrimp, and snails near
the spill and areas downstream.
They soak up toxins like sponges.
• Avoid bathing in affected
water. If somebody falls in
the water, they should
wash right away with
strong soap and clean
water.
• Notify neighbors,
government officials, the
press, and NGOs that are
concerned about health
and the environment.
• Teach people about the
dangers of oil at schools
and community gatherings.
Let’s go get water
at your uncle’s
farm instead.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012