The Information Super-Frog

NY Times: Seeking Answers on Oil Spill as Questions Mount
General overview.

Gambit Weekly:The Gulf Oil Disaster: Monitoring Air Quality - The Environmental Protection Agency has set up air sampling equipment in Lafourche, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes

"Q: The distinct "oil scent" has frequently appeared in the city, miles away from the oil. Is it toxic? 
"A:"Odors can come from most hydrocarbons or VOCs, and these are considered 'air toxics,' with each compound having different levels of health impact," Kura says. "If the odors were truly from the evaporating hydrocarbons or VOCs, they are of concern."
"Crude oil contains pollutants with potential short- and long-term health impacts. Benzene is a carcinogen — exposure to benzene can increase the probability of cancer. Other chemicals in crude also have the potential to impact health, and the elderly, young and sick may respond differently than healthier individuals. Kura says if people experience health problems, "they should make note of their symptoms and visit their health care professionals promptly.""

CNN:Sea turtle eggs being moved to Atlantic
"A sea turtle egg relocation project has been started in hopes of keeping hatchlings out of the oil that's spreading through Gulf of Mexico."

Does it sound like they've pretty much given up hope for the Gulf?

Huge oil-skimming ship makes Virginia stop en route to Gulf of Mexico

FactCheck.org:Oil Spill, Foreign Help and the Jones Act

"Q: Did Obama turn down foreign offers of assistance in cleaning up the Gulf oil spill? Did he refuse to waive Jones Act restrictions on foreign-flag vessels?

"A: No to both questions. So far, five offers have been accepted and only one offer has been rejected. Fifteen foreign-flag vessels are working on the cleanup, and none required a waiver."

Video via Rachel Maddow:Folk reporting about BP Video of a recent flight over the Gulf of Mexico.

Pensacola News Journal: Oil spill: Is Gulf safe for swimming?

"The Escambia County Health Department lifted a health advisory on Pensacola Beach on Friday on the advice of a beach official and against the advice of a federal environmental official."

[a few paragraphs down, the buried lede is revealed]

"So far, 400 people have sought medical care for upper or lower respiratory problems, headaches, nausea, and eye irritation after trips to Escambia County beaches, Lanza said."

Since the headline asks a question, "Is Gulf safe for swimming?", I'll venture an answer: NO.

"We're flying the yellow flags. And that means you need to be careful where you step," Lee said. "Just be careful and have a good time."

"But oil chips, tar balls and submerged oil slicks and the odor of petroleum still were present.

"And people complained about getting a petroleum jelly-like substance on them from sand that was tainted brown."

Sheesh. SHUT DOWN THE BEACH. However much you treasure your tourism destination status, letting people go to the beach in this situation will damage it much more than putting up notice "BEACH CLOSED". Mmkay?

YouTube video: Covered in greasy oil on Pensacola beach from the BP spill Short demonstration of water quality.

Young Froggy in two photos from my mother's collection

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