Oil Spill on Brazilian Coast and the Lack of Answers

Recently the Brazilian coast has been suffering from contamination by crude oil. The oil has already reached the entire northeast region of Brazil and advances to part of the southeast. The source of this crude oil remains unknown yet, and to date, effective action has focused on the manual gathering of oil fragments that reach the beaches, mostly done by volunteers who are risking their lives handling the crude oil without appropriate personal protective equipment. The compounds of this crude oil are highly toxic and carcinogenic, and can cause dermatitis, acute intoxication and eventual reproductive difficulties, as well as have deleterious effects on marine organisms and compromise the entire food chain. In addition to the environmental aspects, the impacts reach the socioeconomic spheres, since there is a whole population that depends directly or indirectly on tourism, gastronomy and artisanal fisheries. This leak is the largest environmental accident in the country, where the major concern, now, is the effects that were or will be caused on the Brazilian marine and coastal ecosystems, and of course the population health. Periodic surveys and monitoring of beaches, animals and populations in the affected regions are extremely necessary actions, which need prioritization.