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Health Risks Associated with Crude Oil Spill Exposure

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Mark A D'Andrea at universtiy cancer center of Houston
Mark A D'Andrea
  • universtiy cancer center of Houston
Kesava Reddy
Kesava Reddy
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Background: Human exposure to crude oil spills is associated with multiple adverse health effects including hematopoietic, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to assess the hematological and liver function indices among the subjects participating in the Gulf oil spill cleanup operations in comparison with the standardized normal range reference values. Methods: Using medical charts, clinical data (including white blood cell [WBC] count, platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] creatinine, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], aspartate amino transferase [AST], alanine amino transferase [ALT], and urinary phenol) were gathered for the subjects who were exposed to the Gulf oil spill and analyzed. Results: A total of 117 subjects exposed to the oil spill were included. Over 77% of subjects had WBC counts in the mid range (6-10 × 10(3) per μL), while none of the subjects had the upper limit of the normal range (11 × 10(3) per μL). A similar pattern was seen in the platelet counts and BUN levels among the oil spill-exposed subjects. Conversely, over 70% of the subjects had creatinine levels toward the upper limit of the normal range and 23% of subjects had creatinine levels above the upper limit of the normal range (>1.3 mg per dL). Similarly, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were toward the upper limit of normal in more than two thirds of the subjects. AST and ALT levels above the upper limit of normal range (>40 IU per L) were seen in 15% and 31% of subjects, respectively. Over 80% of subjects had urinary phenol levels higher than detectable levels (2 mg per L). Conclusion: The results of this study support our earlier study findings in which we found that people who participated in oil spill cleanup activities are at risk of developing alterations in hematological profile and liver function.
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Health Risks Associated with Crude
Oil Spill Exposure
Mark A. D’Andrea, MD, G. Kesava Reddy, PhD, MHA
University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, Houston, Texas.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Human exposure to crude oil spills is associated with multiple adverse health effects
including hematopoietic, hepatic, renal, and pulmonary abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to
assess the hematological and liver function indices among the subjects participating in the Gulf oil spill
cleanup operations in comparison with the standardized normal range reference values.
METHODS: Using medical charts, clinical data (including white blood cell [WBC] count, platelet count,
hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen [BUN] creatinine, alkaline phosphatase [ALP], aspartate
amino transferase [AST], alanine amino transferase [ALT], and urinary phenol) were gathered for the
subjects who were exposed to the Gulf oil spill and analyzed.
RESULTS: A total of 117 subjects exposed to the oil spill were included. Over 77% of subjects had WBC counts
in the mid range (6-1010
3
per
m
L), while none of the subjects hadthe upper limit of the normal range (11 10
3
per
m
L). A similar pattern was seen in the platelet counts and BUN levels among the oil spill-exposed subjects.
Conversely,over 70% of the subjects had creatininelevels toward the upper limit of the normal range and 23% of
subjects had creatinine levels above the upper limit of the normal range (>1.3 mg per dL). Similarly, hemo-
globin and hematocrit levels were toward the upper limit of normal in more than two thirds of the subjects. AST
and ALT levels above the upper limit of normal range (>40 IU per L) were seen in 15% and 31% of subjects,
respectively. Over 80% of subjects had urinary phenol levels higher than detectable levels (2 mg per L).
CONCLUSION: The results of this study support our earlier study findings in which we found that people
who participated in oil spill cleanup activities are at risk of developing alterations in hematological profile
and liver function.
Ó2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. The American Journal of Medicine (2014) 127, 886.e9-886.e13
KEYWORDS: Chemical exposure; Health impact; Hematological toxicity; Hepatotoxicity; Urinary phenol
Crude oil spills are tragic environmental disasters that can
affect human health through exposure to inherent toxic
chemicals including para-phenols and volatile benzene.
1,2
Human exposure to crude oil spills can lead to deleterious
effects on many biological systems, including changes in the
hematologic, hepatic, respiratory, renal, and neurological
functions.
3,4
Recently, we investigated the adverse health
effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposure in sub-
jects participating in oil spill cleanup activities along the
coast of Louisiana.
5
Specifically, we assessed the hemato-
logic and hepatic markers in a cohort of oil spill cleanup
workers and the clinical findings were compared with a
group of unexposed (control) subjects. The findings of the
study revealed significant differences in blood profiles and
liver enzymes between the oil spill exposed and unexposed
cohorts, indicating health risks among subjects who partic-
ipated in the oil spill cleanup operation.
5
Because the most reported clinical biomarker findings for
both hematological and liver function indices fell within the
normal range values for exposed and unexposed groups,
concerns were raised about the study design and interpre-
tation of the study findings.
6,7
This prompted us to carry out
an additional analysis of clinical data that has been recently
reported.
5
In the analysis, we assessed the blood profile and
liver function data in comparison with the standard normal
range values among the subjects who participated in the
Funding: None.
Conflict of Interest: None.
Authorship: Both authors listed in the manuscript had access to the
data and a role in preparing the manuscript.
Requests for reprints should be addressed to G. Kesava Reddy, PhD,
MHA, University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers, 12811 Beamer Road,
Houston, TX 77089.
E-mail address: kreddy_usa@yahoo.com
0002-9343/$ -see front matter Ó2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.04.035
CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY
Gulf oil spill cleanup operation. The resultant outcomes are
summarized to further facilitate the understanding of the
health impact of oil spill exposure among subjects observed
previously.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Subjects
The details of identification of the
subjects exposed to the oil spill
were described in our previous
manuscript.
5
Briefly, the subjects
exposed to the oil spill were
identified as participants in the oil
spill cleanup activities along the
coast of Louisiana. Medical charts
were reviewed by an experienced
physician. Clinical data such as
white blood cell (WBC) counts,
platelet counts, hemoglobin, he-
matocrit, blood urea nitrogen
(BUN), creatinine, alkaline phos-
phatase (ALP), aspartate amino-
transferase (AST), and alanine
aminotransferase (ALT) levels were collected and evaluated.
In addition, data on urinary phenol was also assessed as a
benzene metabolite in the oil spill-exposed subjects.
Analysis
As shown in Table 1, the average reference values were
derived from the normal range values for various indices
of hematological and liver functions and the clinical data
were processed. In addition, the normal range values were
divided into various categories and the clinical data were
analyzed. The variables included WBC and platelet
counts, as well as the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit,
creatinine, BUN, ALP, AST, ALT, and urinary phenol.
RESULTS
This study included a total of 117 subjects who were
involved in the cleanup operations of the oil spill. Of
the 117 subjects, 104 (89%) were male and 13 (11%) were
female. The median age of the subjects was 34.0 (18-63)
years.
The findings presented in the
Figure (panel A) indicate the
outcomes of WBC, platelet
counts, and BUN levels assess-
ment in the oil spill-exposed sub-
jects. Based on the normal range
values, WBC count was averaged
at 7.2 (10
3
per
m
L) and the total
number of subjects who had WBC
counts below and above the
average value of normal range was
determined. Of the 117 subjects,
71 (61%) had WBC counts below
the average value of normal range.
Similarly, 79 (68%) of the subjects
had platelet counts below the
average value of normal range
when 276 (10
3
per
m
L) was
considered as the average value of normal range. Assess-
ment of BUN levels also indicated that 68% of the subjects
had below the average value of normal range when the
average value of normal range of BUN levels was consid-
ered to be at 15 mg per dL.
The results shown in the Figure (panel B) depict the
outcomes of serum creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit,
and urinary phenol levels assessment in the oil spill-
exposed subjects. Based on the normal range values,
serum creatinine levels averaged 1.0 mg per dL and the total
number of subjects who had creatinine levels above and
below the average value of normal range was determined.
Of the 117 subjects, 57 (49%) had serum creatinine levels
above the average. Similarly, 76 (65%) of the subjects had
hemoglobin levels above the average when 15 mg per dL
was considered as the average value of normal range.
Assessment of hematocrit levels indicated that 65% of the
subjects had levels above the average value of normal range
when the average value of normal range of hematocrit levels
was considered to be at 44 mg per dL. Similarly, 93 (79%)
of the subjects had urinary phenol levels above the average
value of the normal range when 2.0 mg per L was consid-
ered as the average value of the normal range.
The findings presented in the Figure (panel C) reveal the
outcomes of liver function enzymes such as AST, ALT, and
ALP levels assessment in the serum of oil spill-exposed
subjects. Based on the normal range values, AST and
ALT levels in the serum were averaged at 20 IU per L, and
the total number of subjects who had AST or ALT levels
above and below the average was determined. Of the 117
subjects, 84 (72%) had serum AST levels above the average
of the normal range. Similarly, 89 (76%) subjects had serum
Table 1 Normal Range Values for Various Indices
Parameter
Normal
Range Value
Optimal (Average)
Normal Value
WBC (10
3
per
m
L) 4.0-10.5 7.25
Platelets (10
3
per
m
L) 140-415 276
Hemoglobin (g per dL) 12.6-17.7 15
Hematocrit (%) 37.5-51.0 44
BUN (mg per dL) 6-24 15
Creatinine (mg per dL) 0.76-1.27 1.0
ALP (IU per L) 25-150 88
AST (IU per L) 0-40 20
ALT (IU per L) 0-40 20
Beta-2 macroglobulin (mg per L) 0.6-2.4 1.5
Urinary phenol (mg per L) 0-trace 2
ALP ¼alkaline phosphatase; ALT ¼alanine aminotransferase; AST ¼
aspartate aminotransferase; BUN ¼blood urea nitrogen; IU per L ¼
International Units per liter; WBC ¼White blood cells.
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Crude oil spills are tragic environmental
disasters that have high potential to
affect human health.
The results of this study indicate that
humans exposed to crude oil spill have a
risk of developing hepatic or blood-
related disorders.
The hematological and hepatic alter-
ations include altered platelet counts,
serum creatinine, urinary phenol, and
liver function enzymes.
D’Andrea and Reddy Health Risks from Oil Spill Exposure 886.e10
ALT levels above the average of the normal range.
Conversely, only 29% of the subjects experienced serum
ALP levels above the average when 88 IU per L was
considered as the average value of the normal range.
The outcomes were compared with the normal range
reference values that were grouped into lower-, middle-, and
upper-limit ranges in addition to the above-normal range. The
results presented in Tables 2 and 3indicate the outcomes on
Figure Changes in biological markers in subjects involved in the Gulf oil spill cleanup
operation. (A) Changes in white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelet counts, and blood urea
nitrogen (BUN) levels. (B) Changes in serum creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and
urinary phenol levels. (C) Changes in liver function enzymes such as aspartate amino-
transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels.
Table 2 Blood Profile with Various Indices in Subjects (n ¼117) Involved in Oil Spill Cleanup Activity
WBC (10
3
per
m
L) Platelets (10
3
per
m
L) BUN (mg per dL)
Count n Count n Level n
<5.0 14 (12.0%) <200 23 (19.7%) <11.0 33 (28.2%)
6.0-<8.0 50 (42.7%) 200-<250 36 (30.8%) 11.0-<15.0 46 (39.3%)
8.0-<10.0 40 (34.2%) 250-<300 35 (29.9%) 15.0-<20.0 32 (27.4%)
10.0 -<11.0 13 (11.1%) 300-<400 23 (19.7%) 20.0-<24.0 6 (5.1%)
11.0 0 (0.0%) 400 0 (0.0%) 24.0 0 (0.0%)
BUN ¼blood urea nitrogen; WBC ¼white blood cells.
886.e11 The American Journal of Medicine, Vol 127, No 9, September 2014
blood profiles and urinary phenol levels in subjects involved
in the oil spill cleanup operations. Over 77% of the subjects
had WBC counts in the mid range (6-10 10
3
per
m
L), while
none of the subjects had upper limits of the normal range
(11 10
3
per
m
L). A similar pattern was seen in the
platelet counts and BUN levels among the oil spill-exposed
subjects. However, nearly one third of subjects had BUN
levels less than the lower limit (11 mg per dL) of the normal
range. Conversely, over 70% of the subjects had creatinine
levels toward the upper limit of the normal range and 23% of
subjects had creatinine levels above the upper limits of the
normal range (>1.3 mg per dL, Table 3). Similarly,
hemoglobin levels were raised toward the upper limit of the
normal range (>15 g per dL) in more than two thirds of the
subjects. Hematocrit levels were also in the upper limit of
the normal range in over 50% of the subjects. Over 80% of
the subjects had urinary phenol levels more than detectable
levels (2 mg per L) and 21% of the subjects had urinary
phenol levels >10 mg per L (Table 3).
The findings presented in Table 4 show the levels of the
hepatic enzymes such as AST, ALT, and ALP in the serum
of the subjects involved in oil spill cleanup operations. AST
levels above the normal range (>40 IU per L) were seen in
approximately 15% of the subjects. Similarly, ALT levels
above the normal range (>40 IU per L) values were seen
in approximately 31% of the subjects. Conversely, none
of the subjects had ALP levels above the normal range
(>150 IU per L) values.
DISCUSSION
In a previous study, we evaluated the health effects of the
Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposure in a cohort of oil spill
cleanup workers.
5
The study found that the blood profiles
and hepatic enzymes were significantly altered in subjects
exposed to the oil spill compared with the unexposed sub-
jects. Because the standard reference values have a wide
range for the indices, a follow-up study was undertaken to
assess the outcomes with respect to the standard reference
values. Specifically, the outcomes were compared with the
average value of the normal range values of each parameter.
Further, the outcomes were compared with the normal range
reference values that were grouped into lower-, middle-, and
upper-limit ranges in addition to the above-normal range.
The findings of the study indicate that subjects who
participated in the oil spill cleanup operations experienced
changes in their blood profiles and hepatic enzymes. The
study findings indicated that about 60%-70% of subjects
exposed to the oil spill had WBC and platelet counts as well
as BUN levels below the average normal reference value.
Conversely, 50%-65% of subjects exposed to the oil spill
had creatinine, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels above the
average normal reference value. Urinary phenol levels were
also found to be above the average normal reference value in
approximately 80% of oil spill-exposed subjects. Similarly,
liver function enzymes such as AST and ALT were found to
be above the average normal reference value in over 70% of
oil spill-exposed subjects. Thus, these findings support our
earlier study findings in which we found that subjects who
participated in the oil spill cleanup activity are at an
increased risk of developing hematological and liver func-
tion abnormalities.
5
The abnormality of various biological markers in sub-
jects who are involved in oil spill cleanup operations is
further evidenced by the changes in various indices
including creatinine, hemoglobin, hematocrit, liver function
Table 3 Blood Profile and Urinary Phenol in Subjects (n ¼117) Involved in Oil Spill Cleanup Activity
Creatinine (mg per dL) Hemoglobin (g per dL) Hematocrit (%) Urinary Phenol (mg per L)
Level n Level n Level n Level n
<0.80 11 (9.4%) <13.0 21 (17.9%) <40 11 (9.4%) 0 10 (8.5%)
0.8-<0.9 22 (18.8%) 13.0-<15.0 20 (17.1%) 40-<45 42 (35.9%) <2.0 13 (11.0%)
0.9-<1.0 27 (23.1%) 15.0-<16.0 60 (51.3%) 45-<50 56 (47.9%) 2.0-<5.0 38 (32.5%)
1.0-<1.3 30 (25.6%) 16.0 16 (13.7%) 50 8 (6.8%) 5.0-<10.0 31 (26.5%)
1.3 27 (23.1%) N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.0 25 (21.4%)
Table 4 Liver Function Enzymes in the Serum of Subjects (n ¼117) Involved in Oil Spill Cleanup Activity
AST (IU per L) ALT (IU per L) ALP (IU per L)
Level n Level n Level n
<20 33 (28.2%) <20 28 (23 .9%) <60 27 (23.1%)
20-<30 49 (41.9%) 20-<30 38 (32.5%) 60-<80 48 (41.0%)
30-<40 18 (15.4%) 30-<40 15 (12.8%) 80-<100 23 (19.7%)
40 17 (14.5%) 40 36 (30.8%) 100 19 (16.2%)
ALP ¼alkaline phosphatase; ALT ¼alanine aminotransferase; AST ¼aspartate aminotransferase.
D’Andrea and Reddy Health Risks from Oil Spill Exposure 886.e12
enzymes (AST and ALT), and urinary phenol. The results
show that over 15% of subjects experienced some of these
biomarker indices over the upper limit of the normal refer-
ence range, and over 50% of subjects had the indices toward
the upper limit.
Overall, the findings indicate that the subjects were not
affected uniformly by the oil spill exposure. This could be
due to the differences in duration and intensity of exposure,
protective equipment, preexisting health conditions, use of
medications, and the differential immunity to the toxic
chemicals of the oil spill. In addition, subjects’age may
have contributed to the variations in findings observed in the
study. Nonetheless, the findings of the study suggest that
subjects involved in oil spill cleanup operation are at an
increased risk of developing health-related sequelae and
support our earlier findings reported in the previous article.
5
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors are thankful to Lingamanaidu V. Ravichandran,
PhD, for critical review of the manuscript and for providing
medical writing support, and to Pradheeth Reddy for his
work in editing and proofreading the manuscript.
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886.e13 The American Journal of Medicine, Vol 127, No 9, September 2014
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Full-text available
  • Dec 2022
Introduction Although environmental exposure to hydrocarbons has been linked to non-communicable diseases, its association with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still an emerging area. Epidemiological studies associating CKD with prolonged exposure to hydrocarbons have mostly focused on occupational exposure, with fewer studies on environmental exposure from residing in contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to determine any association between long-term exposure to petrochemical products and the risk of CKD by comparing the residence and occupational history of young patients with CKD and non-CKD controls. Materials and methods A case–control study of 74 cases and 74 age- and sex-matched non-CKD controls was carried out. Cases were patients with CKD who were aged 18–44 years and diagnosed with suspected chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN). Patients were recruited from an outpatient nephrology clinic and medical wards. Patients with CKD from traditional causes were excluded. Data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPwise approach to the non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance (STEPS) instrument. To assess exposure, a detailed work history and all residential addresses where the patients have lived for at least 5 years were recorded. ‘Exposed’ status was regarded as long-term residence in a known oil-polluted area and jobs involving crude oil exploration, processing, transportation and sales, and cleanup of crude oil hazards. Absence of a history of chronic exposure or any form of exposure was regarded as ‘less exposed’. Results There were 52 (70.3%) cases categorized as exposed, compared with 21 (28.4%) controls ( p < 0.001). There were 34 (45.9%) cases born near petrochemical refineries and plants, compared with 11 (14.9%) controls ( p ≤ 0.001). There were 34 (45.9%) cases residing near petrochemical refineries and plants, compared with 8 (10.9%) controls ( p ≤ 0.001). When asked ‘Do you think you have been significantly exposed to crude oil?’, 15 (20.3%) cases and 2 (2.7%) controls answered ‘yes’ ( p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Our findings suggest an association between exposure to petrochemicals and CKD in young Nigerians diagnosed with suspected CGN. Exposure is significantly associated with a higher mean age, waist circumference, and blood sugar levels; however, other traditional risk factors for CKD were not considerably more prevalent in this unique patient population. These findings should prompt more emphasis on occupational history, residential history, and other relevant environmental exposures in the assessment of patients at risk for CKD.
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... Exposure to oil crude affects the hematological system in humans and is especially seen in increased incidence of nonlymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia [11,29,45,49]. In this study population, we found no individuals with WBC increases related to leukemic processes probably due to the size of the sample. ...
Is the anemia in men an effect of the risk of crude oil contamination?
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2022
Pollution from oil spills can seriously affect many ecosystem processes and human health. Many articles have evaluated the impact of oil spills on human health. However, most of these articles focus on occupational exposure. The effect on people living in the areas affected by oil pollution is rarely studied. Approximately 640 million people worldwide live in areas at risk of oil pollution. Thus, studying the impact of this pollution on human health should be a priority. Here, we evaluate the presence of anemia in relation to crude oil exposure in men living in areas at risk of oil contamination in the Ecuadorian Amazon (Orellana and Napo). We evaluated the hematological and biochemical parameters of 135 participants. We divided the participants into three groups according to exposure: low, medium, and high. Our results showed a significant association between exposure risk and hemoglobin and hematocrit concentration. Groups with medium- and high- contamination exposure had levels below normal values in hemoglobin and hematocrit in more than 30% and 26% of the population, respectively. In conclusion, we found that crude oil affected human health, and the prevalence of the anemia in men was dependent of the level of contamination.
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... Oil spill clean-up volunteers are directly and indirectly exposed to these toxic chemicals in crude oil; hence, they are at risk of developing health problems (Hildur et al. 2015;Peres et al. 2016;Suárez et al. 2005). Various studies have examined the health effects of oil spill exposure (Choi et al. 2017;D'Andrea and Reddy 2014;Murphy et al. 2016). The main adverse health effects reported have been significant alterations in haematological, hepatic, and renal indices Reddy 2013, 2014), chromosomal damage (Hildur et al. 2015), and acute health complications, including headache, itchy eyes, throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, and cough (Lee et al. 2010;Peres et al. 2016;Song et al. 2009;Suarez et al. 2005). ...
Haematological, renal, and hepatic function changes among Rayong oil spill clean-up workers: a longitudinal study
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2022
  • INT ARCH OCC ENV HEA
Purpose The Rayong oil spill incident of 2013 leaked over 50,000 barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Thailand. This study assessed trends and changes in the haematological, renal, and hepatic indices among the Rayong oil spill clean-up workers 5 years after the spill. Methods Haematological, renal, and hepatic indices measured for 570 oil spill clean-up workers at baseline and annually during 5-year follow-ups were analysed. Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct), white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, and platelet count for haematological function, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for hepatic function, and creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) for renal function were assessed. The longitudinal measures of haematological, renal and hepatic indices were analysed using analysis of variance for repeated measures. The generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to assess trends of these indices and associated factors, including exposure level. Results Increasing trends were observed per year for WBC (0.52 ± 0.03 × 10³ cells/μL), Cr (0.01 ± 0.00 mg/dL), platelet (0.31 × 10³ μL per year), and BUN (0.24 ± 0.03 mg/dL). Decreasing trends of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed (1.54 ± 0.21 IU/L per year). Clean-up workers with high exposure to the oil spill had a significantly higher average of WBC and lower average of BUN than low-exposure and unknown-exposure workers. Gender and age were significantly associated with creatinine changes. Conclusion Results of this study show the differences between baseline and follow-up haematological, renal, and hepatic indices and trends of these indices. The long-term changes in the indices in this study show worsening renal functions after oil spill and possibility of cardiovascular effects. These findings contribute to expanding knowledge on the long-term health effects of oil spills.
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Air Pollution Prediction in Warri and Its Environs Using Quality Parameters
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2023
Air pollution is a major environmental problem in the Niger Delta Area (NDA) of Nigeria primarily due to oil and gas-related operational activities. Identifiable sources of air pollution in the NDA include gas flaring, vehicle emissions from internal combustion engines, crude oil pollution, etc. The aim of this research is to evaluate the concentration of air pollutants from crude oil-related activities using air quality parameters in Warri during seasons peculiar to the area of study. The Warri metropolis, one of Nigeria's largest oil cities, was the sampling region under research in this study. An Aeroqual handheld mobile multi-gas monitor fitted with different sensors of (Carbon Monoxide (CO), air quality multi-meter for Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10), Volatile Organic (VOC), Sulphur dioxide (SO 2), Ammonia (NH 3), Methane (CH 4), and air quality index (AQI), was used for the collection of air quality parameter. Linear regression was used to create the model, which was then used to predict the extent of pollution in the locations of study. The average mean concentrations of air pollutants such as CO, NO 2 , CH 4 , VOC, NH 4 , and SO 2 were measured at all sampling sites during wet and dry seasons. The results showed that the levels of these pollutants were above the WHO permissible limits for the majority of the air quality parameters studied in all sixteen locations. The concentration levels of most of the pollutants were higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. The study also found that the pollutants were mainly from fossil fuel combustion and road traffic emissions. Overall, the research provided monitoring data for all air quality pollutants under investigation in the study area and demonstrated that these concentrations exceed regulatory guidelines.
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Health Consequences among Subjects Involved in Gulf Oil Spill Clean-up Activities
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2013
Oil spills are known to affect human health through the exposure of inherent hazardous chemicals such as para-phenols and volatile benzene. This study assessed the adverse health effects of the Gulf oil spill exposure in subjects participating in the clean-up activity along the coast of Louisiana. This retrospective study included subjects that had been exposed and unexposed to the oil spill and dispersant. Using medical charts, clinical data including white blood cell count, platelets count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), and somatic symptom complaints by the subjects were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 247 subjects (oil spill exposed, n = 117 and unexposed, n = 130) were included. Hematologic analysis showed that platelet counts (× 10(3) per μL) were significantly decreased in the exposed group compared with those in the group unexposed to the oil spill (252.1 ± 51.8 vs 269.6 ± 77.3, P = .024). Conversely, the hemoglobin (g per dL) and hematocrit (%) levels were significantly increased among oil spill-exposed subjects compared with the unexposed subjects (P = .000). Similarly, oil spill-exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of ALP (76.3 ± 21.3 vs 61.2 ± 26.9 IU/L, P = .000), AST (31.0 ± 26.3 vs 22.8 ± 11.8 IU/L, P = .004), and ALT (34.8 ± 26.6 vs 29.8 ± 27 IU/L, P = .054) compared with the unexposed subjects. The results of this study indicate that clean-up workers exposed to the oil spill and dispersant experienced significantly altered blood profiles, liver enzymes, and somatic symptoms.
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The Gulf oil spill
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2011
  • NEW ENGL J MED
The 2010 Gulf Oil spill was an occupational, environmental, and community health disaster. This review summarizes the contaminants of concern, toxicologic consequences for humans and the ecosystem, lessons for worker safety, and mental health consequences in the community.
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Health Effects of the Gulf Oil Spill
Article
Full-text available
  • Sep 2010
  • J Am Med Assoc
The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico poses direct threats to human health from inhalation or dermal contact with the oil and dispersant chemicals, and indirect threats to seafood safety and mental health. Physicians should be familiar with health effects from oil spills to appropriately advise, diagnose, and treat patients who live and work along the Gulf Coast or wherever a major oil spill occurs.The main components of crude oil are aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.1 Lower-molecular-weight aromatics—such as benzene, toluene, and xylene—are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and evaporate within hours after the oil reaches the surface. Volatile organic compounds can cause respiratory irritation and central nervous system (CNS) depression. Benzene is known to cause leukemia in humans, and toluene is a recognized teratogen at high doses.1 Higher-molecular-weight chemicals such as naphthalene evaporate more slowly. Naphthalene is listed by the National Toxicology Program as “reasonably anticipated to cause cancer in humans” based on olfactory neuroblastomas, nasal tumors, and lung cancers in animals.2 Oil can also release hydrogen sulfide gas and contains traces of heavy metals, as well as nonvolatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can contaminate the food chain. Hydrogen sulfide gas is neurotoxic and has been linked to both acute and chronic CNS effects; PAHs include mutagens and probable carcinogens.1 Burning oil generates particulate matter, which is associated with cardiac and respiratory symptoms and premature mortality. The Gulf oil spill is unique because of the large-scale use of dispersants to break up the oil slick. By late July, more than 1.8 million gallons of dispersant had been applied in the Gulf. Dispersants contain detergents, surfactants, and petroleum distillates, including respiratory irritants such as 2-butoxyethanol, propylene glycol, and sulfonic acid salts.
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The legacy of the Gulf oil spill: Analyzing acute public health effects and predicting chronic ones in Louisiana
Article
  • Jan 2011
To describe the acute health impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Louisiana as compared with the acute health impacts reported from prior crude oil spills. To predict potential chronic health impacts in Louisiana as compared with the chronic health impacts reported from prior crude oil spills. Offshore and onshore coastal southeastern Louisiana. Oil spill offshore and onshore cleanup workers and the general population of coastal southeastern Louisiana. Not applicable to an observational study. Adverse acute health effects of petrochemical and dispersant exposures in highly exposed offshore and onshore cleanup workers and the general population; prior chronic adverse health effects reported from prior oil spills; and predicted chronic adverse health effects based on intensity of chemical exposures and on seroprevalences of genetic polymorphisms. Acute health effects in cleanup workers mirrored those reported in cleanup workers following prior oil spills as ranked by systems (and by symptoms). Acute health effects in lesser exposed members of the general population mirrored those reported in similar coastal residents following prior oil spills but differed from cleanup workers as ranked by systems (and symptoms). Subpopulations of cleanup workers and the general population with specific conditions or genetic polymorphisms in enzyme systems that detoxify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in petrochemicals and glycols in dispersants will require long-term surveillance for chronic adverse health effects including cancer, liver and kidney diseases, mental health disorders, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Gulf Coast oil disaster: Impact on human reproduction
Article
  • Oct 2010
The catastrophic British Petroleum oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has reached the shores of the United States, along with unpredictable effects on the health of local communities. The potential impact of the disaster on female and male reproduction will be discussed in this report, to provide greater clinician awareness about the potential consequences of this calamity and to call for more research on this subject. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010; 94: 1575-7. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)
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