The use of chemical dispersants to combat the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill was approved in virtually routine fashion, Government documents have shown.

Despite concerns about the toxicity of the chemicals, an analysis conducted by a congressional committee found each of the 74 requests to use the dispersants made within a 54-day period was approved by the U. S. Coast Guard.

Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., chairman of the House energy and environment subcommittee, said, "BP carpet-bombed the ocean with these chemicals, and the Coast Guard allowed them to do it. After we discovered how toxic these chemicals really are, they had no business being spread across the gulf in this manner."

The dispersants may have broken up oil slicks before they reached the shoreline, however, they also can deplete life-giving oxygen below the surface of the gulf, scientists have said.

The Environmental Protection Agency was largely relegated to the sidelines in the decision-making process for much of the summer as the well blow-out raged unabated, said The Los Angeles Times.

The number of waivers granted for dispersant use dropped sharply as time wore on, Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, the commander of the response to the leak, told the Washington Post. The dynamic nature of the crisis at the time required him and his team to trust the judgment of the people on the scene who were making the requests, he further said. (With Inputs from Agencies)