Long term health risks associated with the BP oil spill are not known. Investigators from the University of California, San Francisco and the Natural Resources Defense Council are saying that Gulf residents and members of cleanup crews may be at risk of suffering long-term health problems, including cancer, skin problems, breathing complications and mental heath effects.
Researchers say symptoms to look for include headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing and dizziness. The team evaluated the crude oil, the chemicals used during cleanup and the compounds produced as the oil is burned.
Even though the long-term effects are not known, researchers say cleanup crews should use protective equipment. They emphasized the importance to follow up with individuals who live and work in the Gulf to determine if there are direct health risks associated with the oil spill. This may help prevent health risks in future incidents, they say.
The Gulf oil spill leaked 4.9 million barrels of oil into the waters. As cleanup efforts continue, people may still be at risk of health complications. Researchers say people who live and work in the Gulf need to exercise common sense. For instance, they say people should not touch or smell washed up tar balls or contaminated water, and should refrain from eating fish with an oily smell.
(Source: Bloomberg)
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