What effect does exposure to vapors and other oil spill-related hazards in the Gulf of Mexico have on those with asthma and other respiratory allergies? I’ve collected some of the current responses to these issues, but we want to hear from you. If you live or work in the gulf, or feel your allergies or health have been affected by the oil spill, please share your comments in the ‘Leave a Reply’ area below.
Long-term effects of the BP spill are not yet known, but we do know that, while fumes and irritants are not allergens, they can trigger an allergic rhinitis and asthma reactions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting health hazard evaluations and surveillance to track symptoms indluding worsening of asthma, cough, chest pain, eye irritation, nausea, and headache.
NIOSH has listed the following potential hazards in its Deepwater Horizon gulf oil spill guidance for workers: benzene, chemical dispersants and other chemical hazards, fatigue, fuel oil, heat stress, hurricanes, mosquitoes, poisonous plants, respiratory protection, snakes, stinging insects, stress, and sun exposure.
ABC news reports that over a million gallons of chemical dispersants have been used in the cleanup. Long-term affects of these dispersants on health are not yet known. In addition to the obvious dangers of chemical irritants and pollutants, other allergens discussed below threaten outdoor workers.
Poisonous plants such as poison ivy, oak, and sumac not only cause severe allergic reactions in many by direct contact, but inhaling smoke from burning brush piles containing these plants can cause severe allergic respiratory reactions. Urushiol from these plants can remain active on the surface of tools and other objects for up to 5 years.
Bees, wasps, hornets and fire ants pose an additional threat to workers involved in the cleanup. Their stings can result in severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical care and may cause death.
Allergy to the sun can be a threat for outdoor workers, in addition to the more common threats of sunburn and skin cancers. Mayo Clinic describes four types of sun allergy: polymorphic light eruption, actinic prurigo, chronic actinic dermatitis, and solar urticaria.
References
Chemical Dispersants (ABC News)
Heat (Accuweather.com)
Oil spill related health issues (Skin and Allergy News)
Respiratory effects (Fox News)
Health Surveillance Oil Spill (Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico Response (NIOSH)
Hazard Information (NIOSH)
Sun Allergy (Mayo Clinic)
BP vs. the people takes place in New Orleans in Sept., that will tell the tale. Follow the money
I live on the Alabama gulf coast and have noticed a huge difference in my allergy issues since the oil spill. I am currently not able to wear my contact lenses because I have severe itchy eyes that become red and irritated easily (not pink eye). I first norticed the itchy eyes back in May/June. My eyes started watering heavily in the past month (off and on). I have never had severly watery eyes before (I am 31 years old). I have also noticed that I have a slight sore throat for the past few weeks. WE just had heavy rains and tropicla storm on the coast this past week and I feel the weather may have kickedup the toxins used to disperse the oil.
BP and others do not acknowledge how far reaching the effects of this oil spill will be.
I am also on the Alabama Gulf Coast (area). Have been staying at my mother’s house for 7 months. My allergies have also flared since the oil spill. I would categorize the flare as severe and has gone on since the beginning of August and continues through September. Severe sinus congestion and pain, drainage, nausea and even vomiting. Also severe body aches. I use Flonase, Singular, and have had to add Mucinex-D Extra Strength to my medication regimen. It is awful and I have not been able to determine what I am allergic to that is causing such a severe reaction. I have undergone allergy shots in Dallas (where I am from) so perhaps there is something blooming that I was not injected with. Or it could be something from the oil spill. I have been here at this time in previous years and do not recall such severe allergy symptoms.
I have lived here for over 12 years, visited for over 30. I have no history of any allergies. However, something caused welts, severe itching, shortness of breath. Dr. stated ate, drank, inhaled or touched an irritant. After multiple steroid shots, steroid treatment, & mulitple histimine blockers it’s better. The only place I had been was on the Gulf, getting in & out of the water, washing my hands off in it, etc during a fishing trip. Strange.
if you are downwind of the oil spill…….
BAD place to be !
petrochemicals aren’t good for any of God’s creatures !
not to forget… the water is even worse.
BOTH the water and the air are NOW full of a mixed toxic cocktail of carcinogens!
thanks greedy erl bi’ness !
….and a special kudo to the most immoral of the bunch …BP !