Where Beach Tar Comes From & How to Remove It
Petroleum From Offshore California Becomes Tar On Your Skin and Feet
May 8, 2009
According to the Minerals Management Service, a United States government entity, tar and tar seepage are natural parts of the environment. It is evidenced that oil, tar and gas have occurred throughout the coastlines for thousands of years, and are particularly prevalent along the California coastline due to its mountainous regions. Scientists often cannot tell the difference between oil from naturally-occurring seeps and oil from offshore spills. Along the California coastline, there is a large amount of oil seeping naturally from the rocks under the ocean.
Natural Origins of Beach Tar in California
Scientists agree that tar is found in shale, sandstone, limestone and other porous rocks. While these rock types are found all over the world, on land and in the sea, they only contain hydrocarbons (a constituent in petroleum) in some locations. Much of the ocean floor near California is made of rocks holding hydrocarbons inside their pores, much like a sponge holds water. These ocean rocks naturally release petroleum that floats to the surface of the water and is transported by wind, tides and currents onto the shore. The oil becomes more tar-like as it degrades in the salt water. Eventually, the tar settles on the sand, where it sticks to things, including people's feet.
California Beach Tar from Oil Spills
While some may breathe a sigh of relief to know that the black goo adhering to their skin is a substance delivered by nature, environmentalists may argue that not all beach tar is natural. Some tar balls may be due to accidental or intentional spillages from ships and other maritime vessels. Incidences of sudden appearances of tar left along random beaches have mystified communities that previously enjoyed years of its near non-existence. While the origins of this tar cannot be proven to be man-made, it is regardless a concern, as its perseverance affects both beach-goers and sea life.
Oil Spills Versus Natural Seepage
The Western States Petroleum Association, the oldest petroleum trade association in the United States, maintains that not only do they make some of the cleanest burning fuels but “[t]he number of oil spills into oceans and bays in the United States has declined dramatically in the past 18 years” and is of little consequence in comparison to the amounts of natural oil seepage.
How to Get Tar off Skin
Natural or not, all tar should be prudently removed from skin, as it is a known carcinogen. The nasty chunks can be difficult to remove. Some swear by Vaseline or Kerosene, also petroleum byproducts, but this might seem counter intuitive and should cause one to raise an eyebrow. Branded products Goof Off® and Goo Gone® will do the trick but may cause skin irritation and are more appropriately used to remove sticky substances from surface materials. In the interest of avoiding more toxic solutions that may be worse than the tar itself, the best bet for removing tar from skin is either suntan oil, baby oil, vegetable oil or good old soap and warm water in addition to a pumice stone or man-made pumi bar.
Beach tar in California comes mainly from natural underwater oil seepage. To get the beach tar off of skin, use gentle non-toxic oils, soap and water, and some scrubbing.
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