BP Oil Spill Health Problems
In 2010 the Gulf of Mexico was the scene for the most tragic environmental disasters in the history of the United States. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill lasted nearly 3 months and caused an overwhelming amount of environmental damage. The damage continued even after the spill had been capped and much of the oil cleaned up. Thousands volunteered to assist with the clean-up and now they too are suffering from numerous health issues. If you or a loved one were involved in assisting with the BP oil spill clean-up and are suffering from health problems, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Fill out the ‘FREE CASE EVALUATION’ form located to the left to find out what your legal options may be.
What May Be Causing the Side Effects
According to the Center of Disease Control two dispersing agents were used in the gulf coast, OREXIT® EC9527A and COREXIT 9500. OREXIT 9527 was only used for a brief period. The oil that would normally rise to the surface of the water would be broken down into small drops that would remain suspended on the surface of the water. Both COREXIT and OREXUT contained sulfonic acid salt and propylene glycol. However COREXIT also contained 2-butoxyethanol which was found to potentially irritate the skin and cause respiratory problems. The Center for Disease Control even recommended that anyone who had to come into contact with 2-butoxyethanol and other cleaning agents during the clean-up take the following precautions:
- Wear protective eye-wear
- Remain upwind of mists that are generated by manned spray systems
- Wear nitrile gloves
- Mix and load dispersants in well ventilated areas
- Wash any body part that may be exposed to dispersants thoroughly
Dispersants used to aid in the clean-up process could cause a number of health problems now and in the future. Find out what your legal options may be if you’re suffering from oil spill health injuries by contacting one of our lawyers today.
BP Oil Spill Clean-Up Side Effects
The long-term effects of exposure to the oil spill environment and dispersants are becoming more and more pronounced. Many volunteers have reported the following symptoms:
- Skin Rashes
- Open Sores
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Memory Loss
- Asthma
- Persistent Coughs
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
The United States National Institute of Health launched a 10-year investigation of more than 50,000 volunteers and clean-up workers in an effort to watch for side-effects. However, in 10 years many more could be affected by the use of these dispersants.
Contact a BP Oil Spill Attorney
If you or anyone you know has been affected by health problems after assisting in the BP oil spill cleanup, they may be eligible to file a legal claim and receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attorneys at the Arguello Law Firm are here for you and can help you get the legal counsel you need if you’ve been harmed by the BP oil spill. Our main office is located in Houston, Texas and we are also pleased to serve clients in the following areas:
- Mobile, AL
- New Orleans, LA
- Gulfport, MS
- …and more
Our dedicated lawyers believe that anything worth doing is worth doing right. We can help you fight for your rights against those who may have caused the health problems stemming from the BP oil spill. Speak with someone on our talented team by calling us at 888-CLAIM-68 (888-25246-68). You may also reach us by filling out the ‘Free Case Evaluation’ form at the top left hand corner of this page and we will contact you immediately about your case.