Ecologists called the complaints from tourists about fuel oil on the beaches of Kuban expected.

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Messages from vacationers about contact with fuel oil on the beaches of Kuban are hardly isolated; repeated pollution is expected even after cleaning, say ecologists who warned against prolonged contact with petroleum products.

As reported by "hastily lifted the state of emergency in Tuapse, introduced after the fire at the oil refinery and the spill of petroleum products, as traces of fuel oil still remain on the coast and in the water, and some city beaches are closed. On July 3, vacationers in the Tuapse district and Novorossiysk complained that children were covered in fuel oil after swimming in the sea.

Despite statements about the cleaning of certain areas of the Krasnodar region's coast, vacationers continue to report finding fuel oil on the beaches. Interviewed on July 7 by a correspondent from "Caucasian Knot", ecologist Igor Shkradyuk; ecologist, member of the "Ecological Watch for the North Caucasus" Viktor Chirikov, and ecologist Irina Zubova believe that such cases are not isolated and may recur for a long time, especially after storms, because the amount of petroleum products lying on the seabed is unknown.

Such cases are not isolated

Messages from tourists about contact with fuel oil cannot be considered exceptional cases, believes Igor Shkradyuk. "Such cases are not isolated. Partly, fuel oil remains between the stones even on cleaned beaches. Partly, it is brought in as a result of new spills. Oil spills during loading onto tankers, accidents occur, so it is impossible to completely rule out repeated pollution," he said.

According to the ecologist, the reappearance of petroleum products after storms is an expected phenomenon.

Viktor Chirikov also believes that even after cleaning, the sea will continue to wash fuel oil ashore for a long time. "We do not know how much fuel oil remains on the seabed. With each strong storm, part of this pollution may be thrown back onto the shore. Therefore, even after cleaning, the problem does not disappear immediately. The self-cleaning of the sea is a long process that can take years," he noted.

It is important to constantly monitor not only the condition of the beaches but also the air quality

According to him, hidden pollution poses particular danger. "Fuel oil may not be visible if it is covered with sand or is between stones. But at high temperatures, petroleum products continue to evaporate. Therefore, it is important to constantly monitor not only the condition of the beaches but also the air quality," believes Chirikov.

Ecologist Irina Zubova, speaking about the potential danger of petroleum products, pointed out the consequences of pollution for marine animals. "Over the past six months, more than 600 dolphins have died off the coast of Kuban. Among the reasons, specialists mentioned pollution with petroleum products in the area of Anapa and Tuapse, as well as an epizootic. Severe damage to internal organs was found in the examined animals. In May-June, another 33 bottlenose dolphins died. The center "Delfa" expressed the opinion that this could have been a delayed consequence of the impact of toxins that weakened the animals' immune systems," the ecologist said.

If petroleum products affect living organisms of flora and fauna, then they cannot be safe for humans either

In Zubova's opinion, what is happening indicates a high degree of pollution of the marine environment. "You don't need to be a great scientist to understand: if petroleum products affect living organisms of flora and fauna, then they cannot be safe for humans either," she noted.

The ecologist also recounted a case that, according to her, happened a couple of days ago. "A friend called me after visiting the central beach of Novorossiysk, where she went with three dogs. According to her, both she and the animals got covered in fuel oil. She complained of feeling unwell and asked how to quickly remove petroleum products from the skin and fur of the animals, asking if it was dangerous," Zubova reported, adding that it is, of course, dangerous, especially if there is a large amount of fuel oil on the skin and fur, and washing it off is not that easy.

According to Igor Shkradyuk, after contact with fuel oil on the skin, it is necessary to remove the contamination as soon as possible. "Fuel oil should be washed off the skin as soon as possible. For removal, you can use vegetable oil or other fatty substances, after which the skin should be thoroughly washed with warm water and soap. The body's reaction is very individual - one person may not experience anything, while another may have pronounced allergic reactions. In case of any signs of deterioration, it is necessary to consult a doctor," he reported.

Viktor Chirikov noted that prolonged stay on a contaminated beach increases the risk of exposure to toxic substances and their entry into the lungs. "If a person accidentally got dirty, quickly washed off the fuel oil, and left the contaminated area - that is one situation. But if people spend a whole day or even several days on such a beach, especially in the heat, the exposure to evaporating components of petroleum products becomes significantly higher, and if they also swam and got covered in fuel oil, then the situation is completely different and more dangerous," he said.

Chirikov explains that the bathing season of 2026 for tourists who abuse water procedures and exposure to fuel oil may not have immediate consequences, but may manifest in several months or years and lead to cancer formations, as the fuel oil environment and exposure to petroleum products is not normal for living organisms.

In my observations, the beaches have become less crowded

According to Chirikov's observations, the number of vacationers on the coast of the Krasnodar region has decreased. "In my observations, the beaches have become less crowded. There are about half as many tourists as in previous years. This is influenced by several factors: information about the pollution of the coast, which people pass on to each other verbally, as the media does not cover the topic, so people seek alternative sources of information. Many are concerned about safety issues from UAV threats, gasoline shortages, and economic difficulties," believes the ecologist.

At the same time, he noted that the number of tourists preferring to camp on the beach has increased. "In my observations, the number of vacationers with tents has increased. This may be related to the desire to reduce vacation costs, as hotel services remain inaccessible for people with low incomes, and those who used to stay in hotels simply do not come. I see half-empty hotels, despite the height of the season," said Chirikov.

When petroleum products evaporate, a person can inhale volatile organic compounds

Therapist Olga Malova explained to a correspondent from "Caucasian Knot" that direct contact with fuel oil most often causes local skin irritation, but children, people with bronchial asthma, and chronic respiratory diseases are most sensitive to the effects of petroleum products. "When petroleum products evaporate, a person can inhale volatile organic compounds. Their effects can cause irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, cough, headache, nausea, weakness. In people with bronchial asthma or chronic lung diseases, symptoms of the disease may worsen or bronchospasm may develop," the doctor explained.

"The danger is associated with the toxic effects of components of petroleum products on the body. Severe poisoning is possible only with exposure to high concentrations of toxic substances, which requires assessment by specialists," she added.

Commenting on the possible swallowing of contaminated seawater, the doctor emphasized that such a situation also poses a risk. "If a child accidentally swallowed contaminated water, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and irritation of the mucous membranes are possible. If any symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek medical help. It is not advisable to induce vomiting on your own," advises the therapist.

The doctor recommended that after swimming in contaminated water, one should quickly remove contaminated clothing, thoroughly wash the skin with warm water and soap, and if necessary, use vegetable or mineral oil to remove traces of fuel oil, then rinse the skin again. If a rash, difficulty breathing, severe cough, dizziness, vomiting, or other signs of deterioration appear, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

In early June, the governor of the Krasnodar region, Veniamin Kondratiev, commented on the summer vacation season, stating that fuel oil on the beaches "has always been there". Telegram users found the remarks of the regional head absurd.

Materials on the consequences of fuel oil and petroleum product spills have been collected by "Caucasian Knot" on the page "Ecological Disaster in Kuban".

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