Deepwater Horizon 2010: Subsea dispersants protected responders from VOC exposure

Controversy remains on the use of Sub-Sea Dispersant Injection (SSDI) during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill to minimize the exposure of responders on surface vessels to volatile organic compounds (VOC). Here, we use extensive evidence ( 0.001) during subsea dispersant use, and incidents of peak concentrations ( 50 ppm VOC) that could have been an immediate concern to worker health were reduced by a factor of ~6 to 19 when dispersants were delivered at the intended rate. SSDI thus played an important role in minimizing potential exposure to VOC, and should be embedded in guidelines and regulations for dispersant use.

Automated summary

The controversy surrounding the use of Sub-Sea Dispersant Injection (SSDI) during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) spill to minimize exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) remains. However, extensive evidence suggests that SSDI can reduce peak concentrations of VOC that pose immediate health concerns for workers, indicating its importance in minimizing potential exposure to VOC and the need for its inclusion in guidelines and regulations for dispersant use.