Centennial Honors College
Western Illinois University
Undergraduate Research Day 2012
Poster Presentation
The Occupational Health Effects of BP Oil Spill Recovery
Zachary Bayless, Angela Martin, Samantha Stegall, Whitney Young
Faculty Mentor: Fetene Gebrewold
Health Sciences
There are approximately 700 active gas drilling rigs in the United States and, in the
tragic event that an oil spill or a rig malfunction does come to fruition, the unfortunate
consequences are generally reflected in both the local and the national economy.
Accidental oil spills affect not only the workers on and around the rig, but also the
people cleaning up the accident, the local citizens living on or proximal to the coastline,
and, of course, the surrounding ecosystem itself. Hazards for workers arise from
different sources, including but not limited to the following: the crude oil itself, exhaust
fumes from the machines, and fumes from chemicals involved in the recovery efforts.
Data utilized for analysis was collected using a health hazard evaluation journal article,
the OSHA website and a risk analysis book. The research indicated that overexposure
to hazardous chemicals and heat can cause serious health issues, including burns,
exhaustion, dehydration and esophageal scarring. Immediate health symptoms from
crude oil exposure may include skin irritation, headaches, nausea and vomiting. Longterm effects from exposure can include kidney and liver damage, cardiac arrhythmia
and/or chronic respiratory problems. Notwithstanding, benzene is a cancer causing
agent and is released by the crude oil. The purpose of this study is to educate future
volunteers, clean-up crews, oil rig employees and professional fishermen of oil spill
accidents.