L’histoire des marees noires – Oil Slick in French – is rowning in a dark sea of regrets
The word “maree” means black in French, which refers to the darkness that can be seen when a slick of petrol is released into the ocean. The term has also been used to describe other phenomena that have a similar dark appearance, such as smoke from a fire or the skyline of an industrial city.
A slick of petrol, which is also known as an oil slick, can cause severe harm to marine life. For example, the slick can block light from reaching a fish’s eyes and cause them to die prematurely. It can also contaminate the water, and even change the colour of a fish’s skin, making it difficult for them to reproduce.
In addition to causing damage to marine life, an oil slick can be harmful to human health. It can lead to nausea, vomiting and dizziness. It can also increase the risk of developing lung diseases, like asthma and bronchitis.
An oil slick can also reduce oxygen levels in the air, which can make it more difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect human mental health, as it can trigger depression or stress.
Many countries have established laws that regulate the transport of oil from offshore platforms to coastal ports. These regulations aim to prevent the pollution of the surrounding environment.
These regulations include the use of barrages that are aimed at stopping a slick from forming. Other measures include removing and destroying the equipment that makes a slick, as well as dispersants that are able to break down the oil in the slick.
Despite these efforts, a slick of petrol can still form in the ocean, which can cause serious damage to the marine environment. In some cases, a slick can be so big that it can even cause a ship to sink.
Some people can see an oil slick from their house, but it may be too late for them to avoid being harmed. They may also not be able to get help from the authorities when they are affected by a slick of petrol, which can lead to permanent disabilities and death.
In some cases, a slick of petrol can also lead to serious injuries. In the United States, it is estimated that the number of deaths from a slick of petrol is between one and three times higher than deaths from other types of marine pollution.
The main reason for this is because a slick of petrol can also clog the lungs, making it more difficult for people to breathe. In addition to this, a slick of petrol can cause a person to become dehydrated, which in turn can reduce their energy level.
The problem of slicks of petrol is not a new one. It’s been around since the beginning of the twentieth century, but it is only recently that we have begun to realise the seriousness of this issue and the damage it can cause to marine life.