Study reveals Gulf of Mexico oil spill impact

New research has shed light on the impact that the Gulf of Mexico oil spill had on workers involved in the clean-up operation following the disaster.

The study, led by Drs G Kesava Reddy and Mark D'Andrea, from the University Cancer and Diagnostic Centers in Houston, Texas, found that workers exposed to crude oil and dispersants used during the Gulf oil spill cleanup display "significantly altered" blood profiles, liver enzymes and somatic symptoms, in comparison to unexposed people.

The findings, reported in the American Journal of Medicine, show that platelet counts were significantly decreased in the exposed group, while both haemoglobin and hematocrit levels were notably increased - something the experts say suggests that oil spill cleanup workers are at risk for developing hepatic or blood-related disorders.

Dr Reddy explained that the team reviewed specific data points such as white blood cell (WBC) counts, platelet counts, heamoglobin, hematocrit, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, serum beta-2 microglobulin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), and alanine amino transferase (ALT).

They found major discrepancies between the affected groups and those who did not come into contact with the substance, she noted.

"These enzymes are involved in detoxification, metabolism and biosynthesis of energetic macromolecules that are important for different essential functions. Alterations in the levels of these enzymes result in biochemical impairment and lesions in the tissue and cellular function," the expert explained.

Many participants reported somatic symptoms, such as headache, shortness of breath, skin rash, cough, dizzy spells, fatigue, painful joints, night sweats and chest pain.

Dr Reddy added: "The health complaints reported by those involved in oil cleanup operations are consistent with the previously reported studies on major oil spills. However, the prevalence of symptoms appears to be higher in the present study compared with the earlier findings of other investigators."

The expert concluded that results of the study indicate that oil spill exposure appears to play a role in the development of hematologic and hepatic toxicity, though more long-term follow-up studies are required to understand the wider clinical significance of the oil spill exposure.