Gulf Gusher: Oil out of sight, out of mind

A funny thing happened on the way to cleaning up the Gulf. The oil has disappeared from the surface of the sea. The big danger now is that investigating the long term effects of the spill will lose it urgency as it also disappears from the public consciousness. This is somewhat hopeful:

And understanding the effects of the spill on the shorelines that were hit, including Louisiana’s coastal marshes, is expected to occupy scientists for years. Fishermen along the coast are deeply skeptical of any declarations of success, expressing concern about the long-term effects of the chemical dispersants used to combat the spill and of the submerged oil, particularly on shrimp and crab larvae that are the foundation of future fishing seasons.

Scientists have discovered the oil didn't sink all the way to the sea floor. And already, some are suggesting Mother Nature is doing her job by taking care of the oil for us. But I see little mention in the current coverage about the effects of the dispersants. The dispersants are invisible and also broke up the oil into invisible plumes below the surface. But just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there.

Furthermore, no one really knows what the long term health effects of exposure to the dispersants will have on human health and the food chain from the sea. Mark my words, ten or more years from now, they'll be studying some mysterious ailments concentrated in Gulf shore residents.