Dispersants can be an effective oil spill response strategy. They are capable of quickly removing significant quantities of oil from the sea surface by transferring it into the water column where it is broken down by natural processes. Significant environmental and economic benefits can be achieved, particularly when other at-sea response techniques are limited by weather conditions or the availability of resources. This chemical is used to reduce offshore oil pollution. These chemicals contain surface active agents ( surfactants ) in a solvent base, which are absorbed at the oil/water interface and lower the inter facial tension.