As unpleasant as the tar balls are on white sandy beaches

CDC says they are not.

There is more than the "tar balls" washing up.


ETA:: But I do hope that it is all non-toxic.

Taste it? Whats it tastes like? Does it tastes like a tar ball?

They are actually asphalts, heavier molecules left from the biodegradation of the oil. Crude oil is a biological product and will degrade through evaporation and microbal action. The toxic products in the oil are the "lighter" short chain molecules such as benzene, and will evaporate first, other parts of the oil are consumed by microbes, leaving the heavier stuff to float ashore. Unlike the Exxon valdez spill in Alaska, we have great conditions to promote biodegradation, warm water/air temperatures, and lots of sunlight.

None of it is nearly as toxic as gasoline.

Just kidding I know that we should all run screaming in erratic directions with hands flailing if we ever come across any oil on the brach.

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Unlike the Exxon valdez spill in Alaska, we have great conditions to promote biodegradation, warm water/air temperatures, and lots of sunlight.

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The biggest factor is the mississippi river laden with sediment particulates which are covered in bacteria.

However the underwater plumes are in very deep water with no sunlight penetration and in very cold water. They'll be around for a long time.

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Anything is toxic given a large enough dose...

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...including sea water...