PADRE ISLAND, Texas – Beach goers might find themselves in a sticky situation with reports of tar balls sticking to people along the Texas coast.
- Tar balls washing ashore
- Sticking to beach goers
- Park Service has tips for removal
According to Padre Island National Seashore Park Service, tar balls have been washing up along the coast.
The balls are normally hard, but in recent cases the tar balls have been unusually soft.
Numerous people have reported that the tar balls are getting stuck on them and they can’t get it off. The Park Service recommends using an oil-based product to remove the tar balls.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, tar balls are pieces of oil that can be produced from an oil spill or occur naturally. Oil escapes the earth’s surface above petroleum reservoirs creating tar balls.
What to do if you touch a tar ball:
- Wash area with soap and water
- Use baby oil to remove tar
- Avoid solvents like gas or fuel which can spread the tar
For most people contact with a tar ball will not do any harm. Some people who are sensitive to chemical may develop a rash or allergic reaction.