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The Advocate Toolkit

Help Ban Toxic Oil Dispersants

Why do communities need to mobilize to ban dispersants?

 

  • Studies have shown that dispersants mix with oil to form a toxic cocktail that can harm humans and the environment. 
  • The justifications for dispersant use are based on outdated (mostly lab-based) science.
  • Dispersants are allowed for use under the National Contingency Plan (NCP); they are not mandated.
  • All coastal states and territories have pre-authorized dispersants, meaning they can be used in unlimited quantities without going through an approval process and without public consent. 
  • Legal action from nonprofits like ALERT is not enough. Real people must get involved in defending their backyard by engaging with local councils to pass resolutions demanding that their state/Tribe revoke and/or ban dispersant use – and pressure the federal government to do the same.
A dolphin on the beach in the Gulf Coast in the months following the BP oil disaster. Some scientists suspect that the use of oil dispersants contributed to widespread and lasting damage to marine life and ecosystems in the area.
A dolphin on the beach in the Gulf Coast in the months following the BP oil disaster. Some scientists suspect that the use of oil dispersants contributed to widespread and lasting damage to marine life and ecosystems in the area.
After the BP oil spill, many Gulf Coast residents experienced severe skin problems along with life threatening health issues, following the BP oil spill,. Unprecedented amounts of chemical dispersants were used in an effort to "clean up" the BP oil spill, but studies have shown that dispersants can make the oil more dangerous.
After the BP oil spill, many Gulf Coast residents experienced severe skin problems along with life threatening health issues, following the BP oil spill,. Unprecedented amounts of chemical dispersants were used in an effort to "clean up" the BP oil spill, but studies have shown that dispersants can make the oil more dangerous.

Know the facts with our quick and easy-to-understand Fact Sheet

Submit a resolution in just a few clicks with our Resolutions Template for City Councils

Submit a resolution in just a few clicks with our Resolution Template for Tribal Councils

Use our sample letters to contact the EPA, your congressional delegates and your state governor

Toxic Trespass Training Toolkit

Learn How to Identify and Prevent Chemical Illness

Learn how to:

Identify types of oil-chemical hazards in the environment and explain how exposures occur

Explain how these exposures affect health

Recognize symptoms of chemical illness related to oil-chemical exposures

Be able to describe them to a doctor or health care provider

Identify ways to reduce oil-chemical exposures in your environment

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Meet the creators of this Training Program!
Meet the creators of this Training Program!

The Toxic Trespass Training was created in, with, and by fence-line and environmental justice communities. Our team worked with an alliance of oil-spill survivors, academics, trained first responders, local residents, and community organizers in Houston, Mobile, and Coden, Alabama. Read the background >>

Teach yourself with the Toxic Trespass Training Learning Guide

Teach others with the Toxic Trespass Training Teacher’s Manual and powerpoint slides

Learn how to gather and organize your health and exposure history and work with your Healthcare Provider to accurately diagnose and treat chemical illness with the Health Advocacy Guide, and screening questionnaire. 

Watch a video of creators of this curriculum discussing it

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