Assessing the Effects of the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill on Human Health A Summary of the June 2010 Workshop (2010) / Chapter Skim
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2 At-Risk Populations and Routes of Exposure
2 At-Risk Populations and Routes of Exposure
Pages 29-42
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From page 29... ...
In addition to chemical exposures, occupational hazards related to clean-up activities may also pose significant risks of harm due to injury, intense heat and fatigue, and particulate matter from controlled burns. In the general population, the socioeconomic impacts stemming from the Gulf oil spill have psychological and physical ramifications that continue to affect a growing number of individuals.
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From page 30... ...
By tracking possible links between measured hazards and adverse health outcomes, a surveillance system may be able to predict future exposures, to mitigate the damage from past and ongoing exposures, and to ensure care for those affected. Scott Barnhart discussed specific occupational hazards and risks to workers and volunteers, noting that certain other physical and psychological hazards may pose greater risk of harm than more distinct chemical exposures, especially if workers and volunteers are trained properly to use personal protective equipment.
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From page 31... ...
Residents in the affected communities are also at risk for dermal exposure to either crude oil in the water or weathered oil on the beach; inhalational exposure to chemicals or compounds, such as those carried ashore by prevailing winds; or ingestion by eating potentially contaminated seafood, drinking contaminated water, or other forms of ingestion. Although oil and other related chemicals may be less concentrated in residential areas, affected communities are already wrestling with
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From page 32... ...
According to Scott Barnhart, studies of previous oil spills indicate that response workers and volunteers are exposed to chemicals or conditions during response activities that cause adverse health effects (see Chapter 3)
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From page 33... ...
Because response efforts to the Gulf oil spill bring diverse groups in direct contact with a variety of chemicals and conditions, workers and volunteers are uniquely vulnerable to certain adverse health effects. According to Barnhart, inhalation and dermal contact are the most likely routes of exposure to oil and other chemical substances because workers are exposed to VOCs evaporating from crude oil on the water and to substances carried on protective clothing.
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From page 34... ...
In addition to the ongoing nature of the oil spill, Barnhart explained that the underwater oil source; the use of dispersants, pressure washing, and controlled burns; and the sheer volume of the spill distinguishes the Gulf oil spill from other oil spills. Despite these differences, data from previous oil spills, coupled with a wealth of other occupational and environmental health data, can inform decisions related to the Gulf oil spill.
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From page 35... ...
To best avoid mistakes that may limit effectiveness in preventing and treating exposures that lead to adverse health outcomes, Lioy stated that effective disaster response required problem identification, strategic planning, and recognition of opportunities to minimize and prevent exposure. In this case, the problem was an ongoing oil leak, which made each day the first day of the disaster response.
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From page 36... ...
Contaminated air, water, and food may also be a concern during the restoration and reconstruction phases of the Gulf oil disaster recovery. Long-term surveillance will be necessary to ensure that the most effective policies are selected to best protect the public as the Gulf region struggles to rebuild.
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From page 37... ...
Stating that "the spill is a disaster experienced by the community," she emphasized the importance of involving local communities in any planned or future surveillance and communication activities. 3 Other presenters, including John Hosey and Thomas Guidry, described the impacts that other hurricanes and recent floods have had on the Gulf region.
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From page 38... ...
While some organizations already have worker baseline information on record, he stressed the importance of collecting new baseline information for new workers and other newly exposed individuals as soon as possible. Lichtveld noted the importance of collecting psycho-social baseline data in addition to physical health data.
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From page 39... ...
These include adequate training; use of the right equipment; and use of real-time feedback loops to detect injuries, characterize the nature of those injuries, and identify what needs to be done to prevent those injuries. The challenge with the Deepwater Horizon response is the need for some form of central coordination.
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From page 40... ...
Nonetheless, the panelists were asked: Based on lessons learned from past disasters, when is there enough certainty to begin communicating to the public about exposure? Barnhart replied that enough has been learned from past oil spills that there is enough certainty now to provide information.
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From page 41... ...
. Does the ongoing and complex nature of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster necessitate a point person, or are there other ways to coordinate and communicate useful information?
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From page 42... ...
42 ASSESSING THE HUMAN HEALTH EFFECTS OF THE GULF OIL SPILL (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas) and other, trusted local authorities.
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