Dispersants
A U.S. Air Force aircraft drops an oil-dispersing chemical over the Gulf of Mexico.
BP has used nearly 1.2 million gallons of dispersants, soap-like chemicals designed to break up oil, since April 20, when oil first began gushing into the Gulf.
BP officials have been mum about the dispersant's cost per gallon, but Nalco Company, which manufactures the chemicals, says it made $44 million so far this year on sales linked to the Gulf of Mexico spill.
The company would not reveal the price of a gallon of the substance, but said that sales have significantly outpaced past years.
"In any given year we sell little, if any, dispersant," said Nalco spokesman Charlie Pajor. "It's a product we hope we never have to sell."
NEXT: Wildlife cleanup
Last updated June 11 2010: 7:35 AM ET
