Your opinion is valid to a point. An oil spill can cause temporary and limited harm to fish and wildlife. But over contamination of any kind can do this also. A spill of Ethanol can cause harm as well. Let’s compare the two:
ETHANOL (POISONOUS, FLAMMABLE SOLVENT):
Acute Effects: Ingestion may be fatal. May be absorbed through the skin. Vapor and mist irritates the eyes, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. May cause eye damage, nausea, dizziness, headache and central nervous system depression. Chronic: Liver, heart and kidney damage.
OIL MIST, MINERAL
Summary of Acute Hazards:
Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Initially, high concentrations will cause central nervous system depression and symptom such as headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, lack of coordination. If exposure continues, convulsions, coma and death may result. Inhalation of high concentrations of a mist may lead to a pneumonia.
Skin: May cause irritation. Repeated or prolonged contact may result in defatting of the skin, oil acne, redness, itching, inflammation, cracking and possible secondary infection. Absorption through the skin is possible from prolonged or massive contact which may cause symptoms of inhalation and exposure to Benzene.
Eye: Direct contact may cause irritation. Exposures to vapors, gasses or mist may cause irritation.
Ingestion: Ingestion of large quantities may irritate the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract and cause systemic effects. Aspiration into the lung may produce chemical pneumonia.
It seems clear that Ethanol is just as if not more toxic than oil.
