BOGOTA. Crude oil, gasoline or diesel fuel are not lethal and does not cause birth defects or reproductive effects, according to a Colombian oil toxicity in rats known yesterday in Bogota.

The investigation of three phases, was conducted by experts from the Empresa Colombiana de Petroleos in agreement with the laboratory Inmunopharmos, specialized and internationally certified in toxicity testing.

"The results are striking," said Efe biologist Ricardo Restrepo, a specialist in environmental engineering and chemical formed the team director of the study, whose findings were advanced in an oil and gas conference convened in Bogota.