With so much attention focused on the ecological and economic aspects of the oil gusher in the Gulf of Mexico, it is worth reviewing some of the other potential human health impacts of this disaster. In addition to those discussed previously in this space, an excellent article about occupational hazards associated with the response to the spill can be found here. Specifically, is there reason for concern about exposure to particulate matter and toxic chemicals emanating from the controlled burns of oil on the Gulf’s surface and the oil recovery flares? While preliminary data seem to indicate that exposures have not reached levels of concern, at least according to OSHA, it is important to remember that those levels (Permissible Exposure Limits and other benchmarks) are set to protect workers in occupational settings, not the general public, and certainly not vulnerable sub-populations of the general public. Complicating matters, the cleanup operations surrounding this spill are so unique, that it is difficult, if not impossible to know whether existing exposure limits are appropriate. The occupational and public health outcomes in workers and Gulf residents will be a story to watch for years to come.
I live on the gulf in Tampa Bay. Saw migrating song birds fall from the sky on May 1 by the hundreds probably thousands. They were all over our beaches they had been in migration and it was dozens of species. I reported it but it never made the press. Also during this time many of us could smell burning oil, had sore throats and rashes this far from the spill but our air was very bad. This is a huge concern for many of us on the coast. We know it is bad for us.
Many thanks for your comment, Paola. I suppose the good news is that it seems like real progress is being made toward finally ending this mess, though there is clearly a long road ahead from a cleanup standpoint and potentially, a public health standpoint as well.
Were people in your community experiencing rashes from inhalation exposure to oil (or burning oil) fumes? I am not a dermatologist, but that would surprise me.
I wish you all the best.