Published , Modified Abstract on Exposure Assessment for Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Health Outcomes Original source
Exposure Assessment for Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Health Outcomes
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was one of the largest environmental disasters in history, releasing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. The spill had a significant impact on the health of those who were exposed to the oil and its associated chemicals. In this article, we will explore the exposure assessment for Deepwater Horizon oil spill and its health outcomes.
Introduction
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred on April 20, 2010, when an explosion on the drilling rig caused a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill continued for 87 days, releasing an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil into the ocean. The spill had a significant impact on the environment and the health of those who were exposed to it.
Exposure Assessment
Exposure assessment is the process of determining how much and how often people are exposed to a particular substance. In the case of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, exposure assessment was used to determine how much oil and its associated chemicals people were exposed to and for how long.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an exposure assessment study on workers who responded to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The study found that workers were exposed to a variety of chemicals, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. These chemicals are known to cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and neurological damage.
Health Outcomes
The health outcomes associated with exposure to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are numerous and varied. Some of the most common health problems reported by those who were exposed include respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
One study conducted by researchers at Louisiana State University found that people who lived near the coast during the time of the spill had higher levels of stress and anxiety than those who lived further inland. The study also found that people who were directly exposed to the oil and its associated chemicals had higher levels of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Another study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that children who were exposed to the oil spill had lower cognitive scores than children who were not exposed. The study also found that children who were exposed to higher levels of oil had lower scores on tests of memory, attention, and language skills.
Conclusion
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill had a significant impact on the health of those who were exposed to it. Exposure assessment studies have shown that workers who responded to the spill were exposed to a variety of chemicals, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. These chemicals are known to cause a range of health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and neurological damage.
Studies have also shown that people who were directly exposed to the oil and its associated chemicals had higher levels of depression, PTSD, and other mental health problems. Children who were exposed to the oil spill had lower cognitive scores than children who were not exposed.
FAQs
1. What is exposure assessment?
Exposure assessment is the process of determining how much and how often people are exposed to a particular substance.
2. What chemicals were workers exposed to during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?
Workers responding to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill were exposed to a variety of chemicals, including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene.
3. What health problems are associated with exposure to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?
Health problems associated with exposure to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill include respiratory issues, skin irritation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, depression, PTSD, and lower cognitive scores in children.
4. What was the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on mental health?
Studies have shown that people who were directly exposed to the oil and its associated chemicals had higher levels of depression, PTSD, and other mental health problems.
5. What was the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on children?
Children who were exposed to the oil spill had lower cognitive scores than children who were not exposed.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.