Special Update on the Health Implications of the Gulf Oil Disaster:
A massive oil spill off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010 was responsible for thousands of gallons of leaked oil a day in the ocean. The explosion on BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig that led to multiple ruptures left 11 workers dead and is responsible for over an estimated 90 million gallons of leaked oil. Federal, state and local cleanup efforts are ongoing.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests the spill might be the worst U.S. environmental disaster in two decades. The hazards of the oil spill cleanup and potential chemical exposures for both responders and those living near the spill, pose serious health risks. Chemical dispersants that may be harmful to human health are used in oil spill cleanup to keep the oil from reaching the shore.
Potential health harms for those exposed to the spill and workers helping with cleanup may include the following increased risks:
- Upper-respiratory problems
- Headache
- Heat stress
- Nausea, dizziness and fatigue
- Tingling of limbs
- Sore throat, cough and runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy skin, rash and sore eyes
The oil spill also serves as a potential threat to drinking water supplies and air quality. The spill may contaminate seafood, which if eaten, could cause gastrointestinal sickness.
Below are links to cleanup operations and up-to-date information on response efforts:
Interagency Efforts to Restore the Gulf
Crude Oil Spills and Health-Disaster Information
US Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oil Spill Webpage
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Environmental Protection Agency
Learn more about potential health risks of the oil spill:
"Attention turns to spill-related health risks"
"The Oil Disaster Is a Health Disaster, Too"
"Spill raises concerns of health effects"
"Oil spill may pose health risks, officials say"
Find the latest federal updates and other resources on the spill:
Congressional Response Over a Year Later
The Institute of Medicine Report on Research Priorities for Assessing Health Effects from the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
CDC Factsheet on What to Expect from the Oil Spill and How to Protect Your Health
CDC Gulf Coast Health Surveillance Information
Oil Spill Information for Health Professionals
Dispersants and Your Health
Heat Stress Fact Sheet
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
The White House Emergency Response Resources
June 2010 Senate Hearing on the Health Effects of the Oil Spill