Few Options Available to Slick Victims

Volunteers and rescue crews are finding that remedies for oil spill cleanup are limited, but one simple household product seems to be helping.

The household dishwasing liquid, Dawn, commonly found at kitchen sinks across America, is being effectively used by animal rescue and rehabilitation teams to help remove oil from feathers, fur, and skin of oil-soaked animals and people. 

Dawn, which is a brand of Proctor & Gamble, has already been on the scene of donated wildlife conservation programs for the past 30 years, cleansing more than 75,000 animals. Reportedly, conservation corps recommend cleaning birds with Dawn dishwashing liquid because of its ability to remove most oils in a non-irritating manor to wildlife and pets.

When an oil-covered mammal or bird tries to clean itself of the oil, it typically swallows the oil. Obviously the oil needs to be removed prior to that animal self-cleaning. But what has to happen is that the oil needs to be suspended in water, so it can be rinsed away. Dawn specifically allows the soap to wash away oil without leaving behind a residue. Rescuers clean the animals in a solution of 1 percent dishwashing soap and warm water, leaving the animals clean without the resulting harmful reside many other detergents leave.

If your pet or possessions have been affected by this spill, you have more rights than simply using a household product to clean this toxic and pervasive mess. The Doan Law Firm has represented clients in negligence and personal injury litigation for a long time. If you have questions about cleanup - up to and including who should pay for the cleanup - call the Doan Law Firm at 1 Riverway, Suite 1700, Houston, TX  77056. Phone: (713) 869-4747 or (800) 910-FIRM.