Sunday, November 14, 2010

Human injuries due to cleaning up the oil spill

http://eponline.com/articles/2010/10/25/more-injuries-reported-for-bp-oil-spill-wildlife-cleanup-workers.aspx
Not only did the  BP oil spill in May of 2010 in the Gulf Coast effect animals and wildlife, it effected humans that are trying to help clean it up as well. In June and July of 2010, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health evaluated the health exposures for workers. Scrapes and cuts and itchy red skin were reported by more than two-thirds of the workers. However, many other conditions were reported such as skin contact with oil on the wildlife and in cleaning water; skin exposure to detergents and cleaners; persistent wet skin; and frequent handling and awkward lifting and moving of wildlife and cages. The NIOS recommened to continue to use equipment for their protection.

2 comments:

  1. What do you think of people's comments at the end of this article? Some say the symptoms are nothing- common problems associated with washing dishes and doing manual labor. Others want to know if it is tax dollars paying for the treatment of these workers or if BP is paying the bill. Thoughts?

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  2. After reviewing this article for a second time, and looking at the comments at the end of the article, I have two thoughts. Yes, those symptoms could be from every day manual labor. However, some of those symptoms could grow into bigger problems, possibly from cleaning up oil spills.

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