The use of huge quantities of chemical dispersant to break up an oil spill from a BP drilling site in the Gulf of Mexico could seriously endanger local wildlife, WWF Russia`s Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer said.

"I estimate that up to 800 tons of oil is being spilled every day; around 600 tons of chemical dispersant would be needed to cancel it out," Aleksey Knizhnikov reported from the United States.

Chemical dispersant is being used to prevent the oil spill from reaching and polluting the coast. But Kinizhnikov says it will remain in the water, endangering fish and marine mammals.

According to estimates by specialists, the oil spill is affecting around 20 protected areas of the United States and threatens around 40 types of marine mammal.

"Of particular concern is the fact that the brown pelican, which was recently removed from the U.S. list of endangered species, has its main nesting area in the contaminated zone," Knizhnikov said.
sections: Accidents, Nature & Health, World News