Environmental Hazard, Yes, But What of BP Oil Spill Effect on Volunteers?

Biloxi, MSThe BP oil spill that occurred in the aftermath of the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon has already proved itself to be an environmental disaster—but could it also adversely impact those charged with the responsibility of cleaning up after it? According to CNN, the job is too big even for the professionals, and a call has gone out for locals to pitch in and help when the massive amounts of crude oil reach shore.

A major oil spill can pose a hazard to those attempting to mitigate harm to the environment. CNN reports that many of those who volunteered to help clean up after the Exxon Valdez disaster are still suffering aftereffects more than two decades later. A number of volunteers settled with Exxon and are bound to a gag order tied to their financial settlement.

However, many still report persistent health issues involving the central nervous system and other long-term effects. Debbie Taylor of the Biloxi Regional Medical Center commented to CNN that only time will tell if similar health issues surface among those involved with the clean-up of the BP oil spill. That said, the medical center is getting ready.

The health issues could also affect fishermen and operators of the shrimp boats that now sit idle. Many shrimp boat operators are seeking long-term contracts to aid in the clean-up. If they can't fish, they need to earn income through other means. One captain acknowledged the risk, but said he was willing to take it on behalf of his crew, given their need for income.

Officials considering fishing boats and other vessels for clean-up duty carefully are carefully inspecting each boat for seaworthiness and other factors before approving it for the job.

Meanwhile, seminars are being held to recruit locals for help with the clean-up. Officials are talking of "contaminated water" and the need for rubber boots, special gloves and other gear to protect workers from unnecessary contamination.

"Hearing today (about) the type of equipment you'd have to wear just to pick up trash off the beach was a realization that this is real and this is happening," said one unidentified local resident who attended one of the recruitment seminars out of concern for the area environment.

It is not known if BP will be providing gear or funding to ensure that all those involved in the clean-up are adequately protected from contamination.

As of May 11, BP had spent $350 million on the clean-up so far, which translates to $16 million a day since the accident happened.