The duration of acute health problems in people involved with the cleanup operation of the Hebei Spirit oil spill

Skin conditions associated with dermal exposure to oil spill chemicals among Deepwater Horizon disaster response and cleanup workers

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have associated oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) work with skin symptoms, but evidence is lacking on the specific exposure agents that contributed to these skin effects.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated OSRC-related exposures, including dermal exposure to specific chemical agents, in relation to acute and longer-term skin conditions among the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) OSRC workers.

METHODS

At GuLF Study enrollment, workers reported duration of work, jobs performed, and skin contact with crude oil/tar, dispersants, and decontamination chemicals. Cumulative dermal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from oil/tar was estimated based on the "GuLF DREAM model". We used Poisson regression with robust standard errors to evaluate associations of exposures with prevalent skin conditions during spill cleanup and at enrollment (1-3 years later) and incident eczema diagnoses after the start of OSRC work. We examined modification of associations between exposures and prevalent conditions by use of rubber/synthetic gloves.

RESULTS

Duration of OSRC work was positively associated with skin conditions and eczema diagnoses (p-trend<0.01). Workers in operations, response, and decontamination jobs had higher skin condition prevalence (during cleanup: PR range=3.13-4.51; at enrollment: PR range=2.20-2.94) and eczema risk (RR range=1.44-1.89) compared to support workers. After adjusting for co-exposures, we saw associations of skin conditions during cleanup with dermal exposure to oil/tar (PR=3.41, 95 %CI: 3.14, 3.69), decontamination chemicals (PR=1.55, 95 %CI: 1.46, 1.64), dispersants (PR=1.44, 95 %CI: 1.33, 1.57), and PAHs (p-trend<0.01). These associations remained apparent at enrollment. Eczema diagnosis was associated with exposure to oil/tar (RR=1.56, 95 %CI: 1.20, 2.04) and PAHs (Tertile 3 vs. 1: PR=1.33, 95 %CI: 0.86, 2.07). Effect estimates were on average 21 % lower among workers who used rubber/synthetic gloves.

CONCLUSIONS

Duration of work, working in non-support jobs, and dermal exposure to oil/tar, dispersants, decontamination chemicals, and PAHs were associated with acute and longer-term skin effects among the DWH OSRC workers.

Instruments for assessing the impacts of oil spills: an integrated approach to health, the environment and the socioeconomic profile of exposed areas

Advances in the oil industry have been associated with major disasters involving oil spills in offshore fields, negatively impacting life and the environment. We considered the importance of monitoring and evaluating these events, using various instruments, according to three research axes: health; the environment; and the socioeconomic situation of exposed populations. Thus, the objective was to survey, through a scoping review, scientific evidence involving the application of these instruments to assess the impacts of oil spills. Different databases and languages were used to search for the works. The data were reviewed by a pair of researchers, who carried out the qualitative evaluation. For synthesis of the results, we considered 45 studies distributed among observational studies with no control group, cohort studies with control group, and cross-sectional studies, with a predominance of studies focused on the health axis (n = 39; 86.66%) and with interview method (n = 29; 64.44%). We found 75 records of instruments used, with Likert-type scales, combined scales and free response patterns. In addition, there was a gap in studies on the environmental and socioeconomic axes, especially in an integrated manner. Finally, we considered the importance of new research including essential characteristics of the instruments (consistency, reliability, faithfulness, cross-cultural adaptations) for the possibility of building multidimensional matrices to monitor disasters caused by human action, facilitating decision-making in the formulation of government policies and actions.

Fine particulate matter from burning oil and gas and associated neurological symptoms among Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup workers

Burning and flaring of oil and gas following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill generated high airborne concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Neurological effects of PM2.5 have been previously reported, but this relationship has received limited attention in the context of oil spills. We evaluated associations between burning-related PM2.5 and prevalence of self-reported neurological symptoms during, and 1-3 years after, the DWH disaster cleanup. For 9914 DWH disaster responders in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study who worked on the water, we examined aggregate outcomes (central nervous system [CNS; dizziness, sweating, palpitations, nausea, or migraine/severe headache] and peripheral nervous system [PNS; tingling/numbness in extremities, blurred vision, or stumbling] symptoms) and individual symptoms (CNS and PNS symptoms, plus insomnia, vomiting, seizures, and fatigue). We estimated PM2.5 concentrations via Gaussian plume dispersion models and linked these to detailed DWH cleanup work histories. We used log-binomial regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals, accounting for age, race, ethnicity, and sex, and DWH disaster-related co-exposures to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and n-hexane (BTEX-H). We examined effect measure modification by age, race, smoking, and BTEX-H exposure. During the disaster, 34% of participants experienced at least one symptom (23% CNS, 12% PNS); 1-3 years later, 30% did (19% CNS, 17% PNS). Evidence of associations with PM2.5 was most consistent for CNS symptoms (PR range: 1.17 to 1.51), although we did not observe exposure-response trends. For PNS, PR ranged from 0.96 to 1.84. Associations with PM were more apparent among those with lower BTEX-H exposure and among older workers. We found some evidence of an association between burning-related PM2.5 and prevalence of neurologic symptoms during the DWH disaster response and 1-3 years later. Understanding these relationships can inform responses to future disasters to better protect human health.

Volatile hydrocarbon exposures and immune-related illnesses among Deepwater Horizon oil spill workers

BACKGROUND

Despite evidence from experimental studies linking some petroleum hydrocarbons to markers of immune suppression, limited epidemiologic research exists on this topic.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine associations of oil spill related chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and n-hexane (BTEX-H)) and total hydrocarbons (THC) with immune-related illnesses as indicators of potential immune suppression.

METHODS

Subjects comprised 8601 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill clean-up and response workers who participated in a home visit (1-3 years after the DWH spill) in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) Study. Cumulative exposures to THC and individual BTEX-H constituents during the oil spill clean-up were estimated using a job-exposure matrix linking air measurement data to detailed participant work histories. Study outcomes included post-spill occurrence and/or frequency of illnesses ascertained at the home visit, including colds, flu, cold sores, pneumonia, and shingles. Frequent cold and frequent flu were defined as ≥4 colds and ≥2 episodes of flu since the spill, respectively. We examined an aggregate outcome of frequent colds, any flu, cold sores, or pneumonia since the spill. In single pollutant models, we used multivariable log-binomial regression to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between quartiles of THC and BTEX-H exposures with each outcome. We used quantile g-computation to estimate the joint effect of the BTEX-H mixture.

RESULTS

We observed positive associations of increasing quartiles of THC and BTEX-H with all outcomes except shingles, with evidence of an exposure-response for most outcomes. Strongest associations were observed for frequent flu (range of PR: 1.41-1.67). The BTEX-H mixture was associated with small to modest elevations in PRs for most outcomes.

IMPACT STATEMENT

This study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate an association between oil spill BTEX-H exposures and multiple immune-related illnesses as measures of potential immune suppression. Increasing oil spill-related volatile hydrocarbon exposures may increase the risk of multiple immune-related illnesses, especially frequent cold and frequent flu. Future research on this topic using more robust measures of immune function would advance existing evidence on this relationship.

Socio-occupational conditions and health of fishers exposed to the oil disaster-crime in Pernambuco, Brazil

OBJECTIVE

To describe the sociodemographic, socio-occupational profile, and effects on the health of artisanal fishers from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, affected by the oil disaster-crime in Brazil in 2019.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional epidemiological study, carried out in 16 municipalities on the coast of Pernambuco, with a sample made up of 1,259 artisanal fishers. A questionnaire containing 14 blocks was used, including socioeconomic issues, exposure to oil, among others. A descriptive analysis was carried out with calculation of simple frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS

Of those interviewed, 95.1% considered fishing as their main occupation and 97% were carrying out this activity. Among fishers, the most common fishing spot was the mangrove, and wood fire was used in the work process by around 60% of the population. Regarding health issues, 34.4% reported a severe headache or migraine and 28.2% reported burning eyes, within one to three months after the oil spill.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, working, health, and lifestyle conditions were impacted by the oil disaster-crime. Further research should be carried out to better understand the damage caused by exposure to oil and its effects on the health of fishers. Observing the profile of people who live in artisanal fishing territories in Pernambuco is paramount for public policies and government actions that promote safe and sustainable territories.

Long-term effects of the Hebei Spirit oil spill on the prevalence and incidence of allergic disorders

The Hebei Spirit oil spill accident occurred in December 2007, approximately 10 km off the coast of Taean, South Korea, a location notably close to residential areas. Crude oil substances have been detected in various environmental mediums since the accident, yet previous studies have primarily focused on the acute effects of oil exposure due to the short latency period of allergic diseases. Therefore, this study evaluated the long-term effects of oil spill exposure on allergic disorders. Our study included adult residents who had participated in the Health Effects Research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) study up to five years post-incident, which was a prospective cohort to monitor the health status of Taean residents. We used two indicators to assess oil spill exposure, namely the distance from the initial contaminated coastline to each participant's residence and the number of days participants had engaged in oil clean-up work. Current symptoms such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and multimorbidity were considered allergic disorders. In the baseline survey, the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic multimorbidity symptoms was associated with both exposure indicators; however, these associations were not observed in the two consecutive surveys. Significant longitudinal associations between oil spill exposure indicators and the four allergic disorders, as well as multimorbidity incidences, were observed during a five-year follow-up period. Our results suggest that oil spill exposure can affect acute and long-term allergic symptoms in residents near the accident site.

Association between oil spill clean-up work and thyroid cancer: Nine years of follow-up after the Hebei Spirit oil spill accident

In 2007, an unprecedented oil spill occurred in Taean, Korea. Although crude oil contains chemicals that could increase thyroid cancer risk, few studies have examined the long-term effects of oil exposure during clean-up and thyroid cancer incidence. We investigated the long-term thyroid cancer incidence among participants involved in clean-up work. 1798 participants engaged in at least two surveys since the baseline was tracked from 2008 to 2018. Participants reported the days they participated in oil clean-up works and cancer diagnoses. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios between clean-up work duration and thyroid cancer. Over the 9-year follow-up, 30 thyroid cancer cases were diagnosed. A positive association was observed between clean-up duration and thyroid cancer risk. This effect was more pronounced among residents living <50 m from traffic roads. Our results indicate that crude oil clean-up work participation may increase the thyroid cancer risk.

Functional response of microbial communities in lab-controlled oil-contaminated marine sediment

Crude oil contamination is one of the biggest problems in modern society. As oil enters into contact with the environment, especially if the point of contact is a body of water, it begins a weathering process by mixing and spreading. This is dangerous to local living organisms' communities and can impact diversity. However, despite unfavorable conditions, some microorganisms in these environments can survive using hydrocarbons as a nutrient source. Thus, understanding the local community dynamics of contaminated areas is essential. In this work, we analyzed the 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and metatranscriptomic data of uncontaminated versus contaminated shallow marine sediment from publicly available datasets. We investigated the local population's taxonomic composition, species diversity, and fluctuations over time. Co-expression analysis coupled with functional enrichment showed us a prevalence of hydrocarbon-degrading functionality while keeping a distinct transcriptional profile between the late stages of oil contamination and the uncontaminated control. Processes related to the degradation of aromatic compounds and the metabolism of propanoate and butanoate were coupled with evidence of enhanced activity such as flagellar assembly and two-component system. Many enzymes of the anaerobic toluene degradation pathways were also enriched in our results. Furthermore, our diversity and taxonomical analyses showed a prevalence of the class Desulfobacteria, indicating interesting targets for bioremediation applications on marine sediment.

Exposure to volatile hydrocarbons and neurologic function among oil spill workers up to 6 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster

BACKGROUND

During the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster, oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers were exposed to toxic volatile components of crude oil. Few studies have examined exposure to individual volatile hydrocarbon chemicals below occupational exposure limits in relation to neurologic function among OSRC workers.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association of several spill-related chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, n-hexane, i.e., BTEX-H) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (THC) with neurologic function among DWH spill workers enrolled in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study.

METHODS

Cumulative exposure to THC and BTEX-H across the oil spill cleanup period were estimated using a job-exposure matrix that linked air measurement data to detailed self-reported DWH OSRC work histories. We ascertained quantitative neurologic function data via a comprehensive test battery at a clinical examination that occurred 4-6 years after the DWH disaster. We used multivariable linear regression and modified Poisson regression to evaluate relationships of exposures (quartiles (Q)) with 4 neurologic function measures. We examined modification of the associations by age at enrollment (<50 vs. ≥50 years).

RESULTS

We did not find evidence of adverse neurologic effects from crude oil exposures among the overall study population. However, among workers ≥50 years of age, several individual chemical exposures were associated with poorer vibrotactile acuity of the great toe, with statistically significant effects observed in Q3 or Q4 of exposures (range of log mean difference in Q4 across exposures: 0.13-0.26 μm). We also observed suggestive adverse associations among those ≥ age 50 years for tests of postural stability and single-leg stance, although most effect estimates did not reach thresholds of statistical significance (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher exposures to volatile components of crude oil were associated with modest deficits in neurologic function among OSRC workers who were age 50 years or older at study enrollment.

Biological effects of inhaled crude oil vapor V. Altered biogenic amine neurotransmitters and neural protein expression

Workers in the oil and gas industry are at risk for exposure to a number of physical and chemical hazards at the workplace. Chemical hazard risks include inhalation of crude oil or its volatile components. While several studies have investigated the neurotoxic effects of volatile hydrocarbons, in general, there is a paucity of studies assessing the neurotoxicity of crude oil vapor (COV). Consequent to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, there is growing concern about the short- and long-term health effects of exposure to COV. NIOSH surveys suggested that the DWH oil spill cleanup workers experienced neurological symptoms, including depression and mood disorders, but the health effects apart from oil dispersants were difficult to discern. To investigate the potential neurological risks of COV, male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed by whole-body inhalation to COV (300 ppm; Macondo surrogate crude oil) following an acute (6 h/d × 1 d) or sub-chronic (6 h/d × 4 d/wk. × 4 wks) exposure regimen. At 1, 28 or 90 d post-exposure, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) were evaluated as neurotransmitter imbalances are associated with psychosocial-, motor- and cognitive- disorders. Sub-chronic COV exposure caused significant reductions in NE, EPI and DA in the dopaminergic brain regions, striatum (STR) and midbrain (MB), and a large increase in 5-HT in the STR. Further, sub-chronic exposure to COV caused upregulation of synaptic and Parkinson's disease-related proteins in the STR and MB. Whether such effects will lead to neurodegenerative outcomes remain to be investigated.

Acute and longer-term cardiovascular conditions in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort

INTRODUCTION

In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) led a clean-up response to the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill. Human studies evaluating acute and longer-term cardiovascular conditions associated with oil spill-related exposures are sparse. Thus, we aimed to investigate prevalent and incident cardiovascular symptoms/conditions in the DHW Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort.

METHODS

Self-reported oil spill exposures and cardiovascular symptoms were ascertained from post-deployment surveys (n = 4,885). For all active-duty cohort members (n = 45,193), prospective cardiovascular outcomes were classified via International Classification of Diseases, 9th Edition from military health encounter records up to 5.5 years post-DWH. We used log-binomial regression to calculate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the cross-sectional analyses and Cox Proportional Hazards regression to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% CIs for incident cardiovascular diagnoses during 2010-2015 and stratifying by earlier (2010-2012) and later (2013-2015) time periods.

RESULTS

Prevalence of chest pain was associated with increasing levels of crude oil exposure via inhalation (aPR_{high vs. none} = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.16-3.42, p-trend = 0.03) and direct skin contact (aPR_{high vs. none} = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.30-5.16, p-trend = 0.03). Similar associations were observed for sudden heartbeat changes and for being in the vicinity of burning oil exposure. In prospective analyses, responders (vs. non-responders) had an elevated risk for mitral valve disorders during 2013-2015 (aHR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.15-3.90). Responders reporting ever (vs. never) crude oil inhalation exposure were at increased risk for essential hypertension, particularly benign essential hypertension during 2010-2012 (aHR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.08-3.69). Responders with crude oil inhalation exposure also had an elevated risk for palpitations during 2013-2015 (aHR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.36-4.74). Cardiovascular symptoms/conditions aPR and aHR estimates were generally stronger among responders reporting exposure to both crude oil and oil dispersants than among those reporting neither.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large study of the DWH oil spill USCG responders, self-reported spill clean-up exposures were associated with acute and longer-term cardiovascular symptoms/conditions.

Incidence of chronic respiratory conditions among oil spill responders: Five years of follow-up in the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study

BACKGROUND

Over ten years after the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, our understanding of long term respiratory health risks associated with oil spill response exposures is limited. We conducted a prospective analysis in a cohort of U.S. Coast Guard personnel with universal military healthcare.

METHODS

For all active duty cohort members (N = 45,193) in the DWH Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort Study we obtained medical encounter data from October 01, 2007 to September 30, 2015 (i.e., ~2.5 years pre-spill; ~5.5 years post-spill). We used Cox Proportional Hazards regressions to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR), comparing risks for incident respiratory conditions/symptoms (2010-2015) for: responders vs. non-responders; responders reporting crude oil exposure, any inhalation of crude oil vapors, and being in the vicinity of burning crude oil versus responders without those exposures. We also evaluated self-reported crude oil and oil dispersant exposures, combined. Within-responder comparisons were adjusted for age, sex, and smoking.

RESULTS

While elevated aHRs for responder/non-responder comparisons were generally weak, within-responder comparisons showed stronger risks with exposure to crude oil. Notably, for responders reporting exposure to crude oil via inhalation, there were elevated risks for allsinusitis (aHR = 1.48; 95%CI, 1.06-2.06), unspecified chronic sinusitis (aHR = 1.55; 95%CI, 1.08-2.22), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other allied conditions (aHR = 1.43; 95%CI, 1.00-2.06), and dyspnea and respiratory abnormalities (aHR = 1.29; 95%CI, 1.00-1.67); there was a suggestion of elevated risk for diseases classified as asthma and reactive airway diseases (aHR = 1.18; 95%CI, 0.98-1.41), including the specific condition, asthma (aHR = 1.35; 95%CI, 0.80-2.27), the symptom, shortness of breath (aHR = 1.50; 95%CI, 0.89-2.54), and the overall classification of chronic respiratory conditions (aHR = 1.18; 95%CI, 0.98-1.43). Exposure to both crude oil and dispersant was positively associated with elevated risk for shortness of breath (HR = 2.24; 95%CI, 1.09-4.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Among active duty Coast Guard personnel, oil spill clean-up exposures were associated with moderately increased risk for longer term respiratory conditions.

Bioremediation of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) by Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation in Water with Floating Oil Spill Containment Booms as Bioreactor Basin

A crude oil spill is a common issue during offshore oil drilling, transport and transfer to onshore. Second, the production of petroleum refinery effluent is known to cause pollution due to its toxic effluent discharge. Sea habitats and onshore soil biota are affected by total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) as a pollutant in their natural environment. Crude oil pollution in seawater, estuaries and beaches requires an efficient process of cleaning. To remove crude oil pollutants from seawater, various physicochemical and biological treatment methods have been applied worldwide. A biological treatment method using bacteria, fungi and algae has recently gained a lot of attention due to its efficiency and lower cost. This review introduces various studies related to the bioremediation of crude oil, TPH and related petroleum products by bioaugmentation and biostimulation or both together. Bioremediation studies mentioned in this paper can be used for treatment such as emulsified residual spilled oil in seawater with floating oil spill containment booms as an enclosed basin such as a bioreactor, for petroleum hydrocarbons as a pollutant that will help environmental researchers solve these problems and completely clean-up oil spills in seawater.

Integrated environmental vulnerability to oil spills in sensitive areas

As the typical range of influence of oil spills surrounds urbanised and economically active areas, it is likely that fragile regions may not be part of the most vulnerable zones. This premise is remediated in this paper with the adoption of a vulnerability approach based on the integration of static and dynamic information, such as oil pollution susceptibility. Susceptibility is a poorly consolidated term and is often used as synonym for environmental sensitivity; it is considered here to be the distribution areas of oil slicks. To test the proposed approach, an integrated estimation of environmental vulnerability is carried out for an environmentally sensitive area in the south of Brazil by merging static data inherent to the medium with information of a dynamic nature related to trajectory, behaviour and the fate of oil at sea. Moreover, the oil pollution intensity and environmental sensitivity data in susceptible areas are addressed. Subsequently, the environmental vulnerability is estimated by integrating hazard maps, concentrations and losses of the mass of the oil slick, oil beaching time and the littoral sensitivity index hierarchy. Results will prove to be useful to highlight critical areas for which the highest levels of severity are expected, which can lead to improvements in decision-making processes to support oil-spill prevention, as well as improve response readiness, especially in developing countries that have historically under-protected their sensitive regions.

Rapid recovery of coastal environment and ecosystem to the Hebei Spirit oil spill's impact

The 2007 Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS), the largest in the national history, has negatively impacted the entire environment and ecosystem along the west coast of South Korea. Although many studies have reported the damages and impacts from the HSOS, quantitative assessment evaluating the recovery time and status have not been documented. Here, we first address the recovery timeline of the HSOS, by comprehensive analyses of 10-years accumulated data in quantitative manner. Concentrations of residual oils in seawater, sediments, and oysters rapidly dropped to backgrounds in 16, 75, and 33 months, respectively. Also, damaged benthic communities of intertidal and subtidal areas were fully recovered only after ~6 years. The present results collectively indicated unexpectedly fast recovery of the damaged environment and ecosystem from such a huge oil spill. The high tidal mixing (~9 m tidal height) and intensive human cleanup (~1.2 million volunteers) at the initial cleanup period might have contributed to rapid recovery; cf. 4-5 times faster than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. However, potential risk to human health remains unclear. Thus, it is warranted to conduct more in depth epidemiological studies to address chronic health effects associated with the cleanup volunteers as well as the local residents who have been living nearby the oil spill impacted sites.

Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function in GuLF study participants

INTRODUCTION

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster exposed tens of thousands of oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers to hydrocarbons and other hazardous chemicals. Some hydrocarbons, such as toluene and hexane, have been found to have acute adverse effects on the central nervous system in occupational settings. However, no studies have examined the association between oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function.

METHODS

We used data from the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study, a cohort of adults who worked on the DWH response and cleanup. Total hydrocarbon (THC) exposure attributed to oil spill cleanup work was estimated from a job-exposure matrix linking air measurement data to detailed cleanup work histories. Participants were also categorized into 6 job categories, or OSRC classes, based on their activity with the highest exposure. Neurobehavioral performance was assessed at a clinical exam 4-6 years after the spill. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate relationships of ordinal THC levels and OSRC classes with 16 neurobehavioral outcomes.

RESULTS

We found limited evidence of associations between THC levels or OSRC classes and decreased neurobehavioral function, including attention, memory, and executive function. Workers exposed to ≥3 ppm THC scored significantly worse (difference_1.0-2.9ppm = -0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.74, -0.04) than workers exposed to <0.30 ppm THC for the digit span forward count test. There was also a possible threshold effect above 1 ppm THC for symbol digit test total errors (difference_1.0-2.9ppm = -0.56 (95% CI = -1.13, -0.003), difference_≥3.0ppm = -0.55 (95% CI = -1.20, 0.10)). Associations appeared to be stronger in men than in women. A summary latency measure suggested an association between more highly exposed jobs (especially support of operations workers) and decreased neurobehavioral function.

CONCLUSION

OSRC-related exposures were associated with modest decreases in neurobehavioral function, especially attention, memory, and executive function.

Neurological symptoms associated with oil spill response exposures: Results from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

The Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill was the largest marine oil spill in U.S. history, involving the response of tens of thousands clean-up workers. Over 8500 United States Coast Guard personnel were deployed in response to the spill. Little is understood about the acute neurological effects of oil spill clean-up-related exposures. Given the large number of people involved in large oil spill clean-ups, study of these effects is warranted.

METHODS

We utilized exposure, health, and lifestyle data from a post-deployment survey administered to Coast Guard responders to the DWH oil spill. Crude oil exposure was assessed via self-reported inhalation and skin contact metrics, categorized by frequency of self-reported exposure to crude oil during deployment (never, rarely, sometimes, most/all of the time). Combined exposure to crude oil and oil dispersant was also evaluated. Adjusted log binomial regressions were used to calculate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), investigating the associations between oil spill exposures and neurological symptoms during deployment. Stratified analyses investigated potential effect modification by sex, exhaust fume exposure, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and deployment duration and timing.

RESULTS

Increasing frequency of crude oil exposure via inhalation was associated with increased likelihood of headaches (PR_{most/all vs. never} = 1.80), lightheadedness (PR_{most/all vs. never} = 3.36), difficulty concentrating (PR_{most/all vs. never} = 1.72), numbness/tingling sensation (PR_{most/all vs. never} = 3.32), blurred vision (PR_{most/all vs. never} = 2.87), and memory loss/confusion (PR_{most/all vs. never} = 2.03), with significant tests for trend. Similar results were found for crude oil exposure via skin contact. Exposure to both oil and oil dispersants yielded associations that were appreciably greater in magnitude than for oil alone for all neurological symptoms. Sensitivity analyses excluding responders in the highest environmental heat categories and responders with relevant pre-existing conditions indicated robustness of these results. Stratified analyses indicated possible effect modification by sex, PPE use, and heat exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of a cross sectional association between crude oil exposures and acute neurological symptoms in a sample of U.S. Coast Guard responders. Additionally, it suggests that exposure to both crude oil and oil dispersant may result in stronger associations and that heat may interact synergistically with oil exposures resulting in more acute neurological symptoms. Future investigations are needed to confirm these findings.

Health effect research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) in Korea: a cohort profile

PURPOSE

The Hebei Spirit Oil Spill occurred on 7 December 2007 and resulted in the spillage of 12 547 kl of crude oil on the coastline near Taean. Historically, this was the largest oil spill in Korean water. The health effect research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) is a prospective cohort study that aimed to evaluate the long-term health effects of oil spill exposure on residents in the affected community.

PARTICIPANTS

The Taean Environmental Health Center initially enrolled adults, adolescents and children living in Taean in 2009 and 2010. Follow-up surveys of participating adults and children were conducted every other year. By 2017, a total of 9585 adults and 2216 children and adolescents were enrolled. Of these, 294 adults and 102 children and adolescents were included in all subsequent surveys.

FINDINGS TO DATE

Children who lived closer to the oil spill site exhibited a lower level of pulmonary function and higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis, than those who lived further away from the oil spill site. Adults who lived in a highly exposed area or participated in clean-up work had higher urine levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. Changes in haematological parameters during a 3-year period were observed in residents of both sexes in highly exposed areas, in addition to increases in respiratory diseases and mental health problems in female and male participants, respectively.

FUTURE PLANS

The findings of this study will better enable policy makers to develop environmental health policies intended to prevent adverse health effects in residents of communities affected by oil spills, as well as policies regarding the management of future oil accidents. The HEROS study will continue to follow participants in future and will be updated to enable an investigation of long-term health effects.

Elevated Indoor Volatile Organic Compound Exposure in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The implications of environmental contamination on human health in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria remain a topic of growing international public health interest. To better understand ongoing air pollution and initiate remediation efforts, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) report recommended the monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) across different media (water, soil, and air) in Ogoniland, an at-risk population in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. In this pilot study, we measured indoor VOC concentrations in the indoor air of 20 households in Ogale, an Ogoniland community whose groundwater system is contaminated with benzene at levels 900 times the World Health Organization guidelines and evaluated self-reported health conditions and predicted cancer risks and hazards from inhalation exposure to VOCs. We detected higher concentrations of benzene (mean = 25.7 μg/m³, SD = 23.2 μg/m³) and naphthalene (mean = 7.6 μg/m³, SD = 13.8 μg/m³) than has been reported in other regions. Although study participants reported health symptoms consistent with VOC exposure, we were underpowered to detect a significant association between select indoor VOCs and these self-reported health symptoms using univariate logistic regression models. These findings suggest that that the health symptoms reported by participants may be poor proxies for the underlying disease processes associated with adverse health outcomes due to VOC exposure in this community and that the burden of adverse health effects due to VOC exposure may stem from the contaminated groundwater system. We estimated a non-cancer hazard quotient of 3 from exposure to naphthalene and lifetime excess cancer risks from exposure to naphthalene, benzene, p-dichlorobenzene, carbon tetrachloride, and ethylbenzene of 3 × 10⁻⁴, 2 × 10⁻⁴, 6 × 10⁻⁵, 6 × 10⁻⁶, and 1 × 10⁻⁵, respectively. These results exceed common risk benchmarks in the United States, suggesting a need for further studies to characterize VOC exposures, sources, and associated health risks in the Niger Delta.

Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and nonfatal myocardial infarction in the GuLF STUDY

BACKGROUND

Workers involved in the response and clean-up of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill faced possible exposures to crude oil, burning oil, dispersants and other pollutants in addition to physical and emotional stress. These exposures may have increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) among oil spill workers.

METHODS

Gulf Long-term Follow-up (GuLF) STUDY participants comprise individuals who either participated in the Deepwater Horizon response efforts or registered for safety training but were not hired. Oil spill-related exposures were assessed during enrollment interviews conducted in 2011-2013. We estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals for the associations of clean-up work characteristics with self-reported nonfatal MI up to three years post-spill.

RESULTS

Among 31,109 participants without history of MI prior to the spill, 77% worked on the oil spill. There were 192 self-reported MI during the study period; 151 among workers. Among the full cohort, working on the oil spill clean-up (vs not working on the clean-up) and living in proximity to the oil spill (vs further away) were suggestively associated with a possible increased risk of nonfatal MI [RR: 1.22 (0.86, 1.73) and 1.15 (0.82, 1.60), respectively]. Among oil spill workers, working for > 180 days was associated with MI [RR for > 180 days (vs 1-30 days): 2.05 (1.05, 4.01)], as was stopping working due to heat [RR: 1.99 (1.43, 2.78)]. There were suggestive associations of maximum total hydrocarbon exposure ≥3.00 ppm (vs < 0.30 ppm) [RR: 1.69 (0.90, 3.19)] and working on decontaminating oiled equipment (vs administrative support) [1.72 (0.96, 3.09)] with nonfatal MI.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to assess the associations between oil spill exposures and MI. Results suggest that working on the spill for > 180 days and stopping work due to heat increased risk of nonfatal MI. Future research should evaluate whether the observed associations are related to specific chemical exposures or other stressors associated with the spill.

How clean is clean: a review of the social science of environmental cleanups

Environmental cleanup may involve decontaminating an area affected by a radiological release, containing an oil spill, or remediating a Superfund site or brownfield. It is a key component of how environmental agencies work to protect public health and the environment. There are many publications on technical protocols for cleanup and waste disposal. Additionally, there has been much social science work on the social problems of environmental contamination. However, social science research on cleanup itself has been much more scattered across disciplines and incidents. To date, there has not been a comprehensive review of the social factors that affect cleanup processes and outcomes. Such social factors may include cultural worldviews that shape stakeholder perspectives on 'how clean is clean' and social relationships among stakeholders. This article fills this gap by providing an interdisciplinary literature review of the social science of environmental cleanup. Three principal themes emerged from the 97 articles that met selection criteria: effects on cleanup worker health, public engagement and decision-making, and societal benefits of cleaned-up sites. The review points to areas where further research is needed. For example, there is a lack of mixed methods and interdisciplinary engagement within the literature. Additionally, few articles compare cleanup situations. There is also a need for further investigation into specific social science topics such as labor practices, gender, race, and power relationships. To address these gaps, we argue for the development of a comprehensive framework or model as well as the exploration of broader questions complicating cleanups. Overall, this area of research has significant potential to benefit environmental cleanup policy and practice worldwide, while advancing social theory about people and the environment.

Water related ocular diseases

A number of ocular diseases can be attributed to contaminated water and we have coined a term "Water-related ocular diseases (WRODs)" to denote this wide-spectrum of conditions. WRODs are directly related to human contact with water and can occur through toxic, allergic, inflammatory or infective mechanisms. The non-infective causes can include chemicals used to clean swimming pools, oil spills and water-sport related injuries. Similarly, a number of infective organisms causing ocular diseases are transmitted through water. Since, these conditions can occasionally prove devastating, a review was done with the following aims: (i) To study the epidemiology of WRODs (ii) To assess the clinical presentation and current management of WRODs (iii) To highlight the future challenges and possible solutions to these problems. The online search was conducted utilizing search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ClinicalKey and the Virtual Library of the Ministry of Health, Malaysia for relevant terms such as water-borne, swimming pool and eye infections.

Post-Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Exposure Patterns Among Children in Mobile County, Alabama

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to characterize environmental exposure from Deepwater Horizon oil spill among pre-K to fourth-grade children from six schools in Mobile County, Alabama.

METHODS

A mail-in survey administered 11 months post-oil spill to children's parents/caregivers elicited information on exposure-related activities. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 180 children (coastal schools, 90; inland schools, 90) completed the survey. During the post-oil spill period, children in coastal schools were less likely to reduce their exposure-related activities, including fishing; eating and selling caught fish; visiting beaches; and parental participation in cleanup activities, than children in inland schools. Particularly, fishing and eating caught fish were significantly associated with the coastal group (odds ratio = 2.28; 95% confidence interval = 1.54 to 3.36).

CONCLUSION

Proximity to the shoreline may serve as an indicator for potential exposure in oil spills among vulnerable populations including children.

The potential for dispersant use as a maritime oil spill response measure in German waters

In case of an oil spill, dispersant application represents a response option, which enhances the natural dispersion of oil and thus reduces coating of seabirds and coastal areas. However, as oil is transferred to the water phase, a trade-off of potential harmful effects shifted to other compartments must be performed. This paper summarizes the results of a workshop on the current knowledge on risks and benefits of the use of dispersants with respect to specific conditions encountered at the German sea areas. The German North Sea coast is a sensitive ecosystem characterised by tidal flats, barrier islands and salt marshes. Many prerequisites for a potential integration of dispersants as spill response option are available in Germany, including sensitivity maps and tools for drift modelling of dispersed and undispersed oil. However, open scientific questions remain concerning the persistence of dispersed oil trapped in the sediments and potential health effects.

The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Long-term studies of oil spill responders are urgently needed as oil spills continue to occur. To this end, we established the prospective Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill Coast Guard Cohort study.

METHODS

DWH oil spill responders (n=8696) and non-responders (n=44 823) who were members of the US Coast Guard (20 April-17 December 2010) were included. This cohort uses both prospective, objective health data from military medical encounters and cross-sectional survey data. Here, we describe the cohort, present adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) estimating cross-sectional associations between crude oil exposure (none, low/medium, high) and acute physical symptoms, and present adjusted relative risks (RRs) based on longitudinal medical encounter data (2010-2012) for responders/non-responders and responders exposed/not exposed to crude oil.

RESULTS

Responders and non-responders in this large cohort (n=53 519) have similar characteristics. Crude oil exposure was reported by >50% of responders. We found statistically significant associations for crude oil exposure with coughing (PR_high=1.78), shortness of breath (PR_high=2.30), wheezing (PR_high=2.32), headaches (PR_high=1.46), light-headedness/dizziness (PR_high=1.96), skin rash/itching (PR_high=1.87), diarrhoea (PR_high=1.76), stomach pain (PR_high=1.67), nausea/vomiting (PR_high=1.48) and painful/burning urination (PR_high=2.89) during deployment. Longitudinal analyses revealed that responders had elevated RRs for dermal conditions (RR=1.09), as did oil-exposed responders for chronic respiratory conditions (RR=1.32), asthma (RR=1.83) and dermal conditions (RR=1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

We found positive associations between crude oil exposure and various acute physical symptoms among responders, as well as longer term health effects. This cohort is well positioned to evaluate both short-term and long-term effects of oil spill exposures using both self-reported and clinical health data.

Effects of exposure to oil spills on human health: Updated review

Oil spills may involve health risks for people participating in the cleanup operations and coastal inhabitants, given the toxicological properties of the oil components. In spite of this, only after a few major oil spills (crude oil or fuel oil no. 6) have studies on effects of exposure to diverse aspects of human health been performed. Previously, Aguilera et al. (2010) examined all documents published to that date dealing with any type of human health outcome in populations exposed to oil spills. The aim of the present review was to compile all new information available and determine whether evidence reported supports the existence of an association between exposure and adverse human health risks. Studies were classified in three groups according to type of health outcome addressed: (i) effects on mental health, (ii) physical/physiological effects, and (iii) genotoxic, immunotoxic, and endocrine toxicity. New studies published on oil-spill-exposed populations-coastal residents in the vicinity of the spills or participants in cleanup operations-provide additional support to previous evidence on adverse health effects related to exposure regarding different parameters in all three categories considered. Some of the observed effects even indicated that several symptoms may persist for some years after exposure. Hence, (1) health protection in these individuals should be a matter of concern; and (2) health risk assessment needs to be carried out not only at the time of exposure but also for prolong periods following exposure, to enable early detection of any potential exposure-related harmful effects.

Petroleum contaminated water and health symptoms: a cross-sectional pilot study in a rural Nigerian community

BACKGROUND

The oil-rich Niger Delta suffers from extensive petroleum contamination. A pilot study was conducted in the region of Ogoniland where one community, Ogale, has drinking water wells highly contaminated with a refined oil product. In a 2011 study, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sampled Ogale drinking water wells and detected numerous petroleum hydrocarbons, including benzene at concentrations as much as 1800 times higher than the USEPA drinking water standard. UNEP recommended immediate provision of clean drinking water, medical surveillance, and a prospective cohort study. Although the Nigerian government has provided emergency drinking water, other UNEP recommendations have not been implemented. We aimed to (i) follow up on UNEP recommendations by investigating health symptoms associated with exposure to contaminated water; and (ii) assess the adequacy and utilization of the government-supplied emergency drinking water.

METHODS

We recruited 200 participants from Ogale and a reference community, Eteo, and administered questionnaires to investigate water use, perceived water safety, and self-reported health symptoms.

RESULTS

Our multivariate regression analyses show statistically significant associations between exposure to Ogale drinking water and self-reported health symptoms consistent with petroleum exposure. Participants in Ogale more frequently reported health symptoms related to neurological effects (OR = 2.8), hematological effects (OR = 3.3), and irritation (OR = 2.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are the first from a community relying on drinking water with such extremely high concentrations of benzene and other hydrocarbons. The ongoing exposure and these pilot study results highlight the need for more refined investigation as recommended by UNEP.

Oxidative stress biomarkers in long-term participants in clean-up work after the Hebei Spirit oil spill

BACKGROUND

The oil tanker Hebei Spirit spilled 12,547kL of oil near the western coastline of Korea on December 7, 2007. We aimed to investigate the relationship between oil spill exposure and oxidative stress in residents living near the affected area.

METHODS

Study subjects were 671 residents who participated in a health examination between February and September 2009. As surrogates for oil spill exposure, we used the total duration of clean-up work and levels of urinary metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and 2-naphthol (2-NAPH). Oxidative stress was measured using urinary levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), indicators of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage, respectively.

RESULTS

Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers were significantly increased with longer involvement in clean-up work over one year after the Hebei Spirit oil spill (MDA, p-trend<0.0001; 8-OHdG, p-trend<0.0001). As more time elapsed since the last involvement in clean-up, the total duration of clean-up work participation and levels of PAH metabolites (1-OHP and 2-NAPH), as well as levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA and 8-OHdG) decreased further. The level of 1-OHP had a significant positive correlation with the total duration of clean-up work involvement, with a higher level found in those who participated in clean-up for >100 days. Increasing levels of 1-OHP were significantly associated with increased MDA and 8-OHdG after adjusting for covariates, while the strength of association weakened as time passed since the last participation in clean-up work. The significance of the association was maintained for up to 12 months after the last clean-up work.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that oil exposure from prolonged clean-up activity likely induced oxidative stress in clean-up participants up to at least one year after the last exposure.

Subjective Health Complaints Among Workers in the Aftermath of an Oil Tank Explosion

The aim of the study was to assess whether exposed workers had more subjective health complaints than controls 1 1/2 years after a chemical explosion involving a mixture of hydrocarbons and sulfurous compounds. A cross-sectional survey based on the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC) was conducted among 147 exposed workers and 137 controls. A significantly higher total SCH score (linear regression, p=.01) was found for the exposed workers compared with controls when adjusting for gender, age, smoking habits, and educational level. The exposed workers reported significantly more headache, hot flashes, sleep problems, tiredness, dizziness, and sadness/depression. The cause of these complaints is unknown, but health personnel should be aware that health complaints might be related to polluting episodes even when exposure levels are below occupational guideline levels.