Will the Oil Spill Be Dangerous to Your Health?

We still don't know the extent of the devastation that 200,000 gallons a day of crude oil spewing into the Gulf waters will have on our country. So far, it's proving to be one of the largest human-caused environmental disasters in U.S. history. We know that the effects on the animal and plant populations have been disastrous, and we'll be watching closely as the they continue to unfold. However, one question remains_ Will this oil spill affect our health?

The short answer is, yes. There are well-documented analyses on the effects of environmental pollution of previous oil spills - some which have occurred inland and certainly the Exxon Valdez spill in the Alaskan waters of the Prince William Sound in 1989. You have to remember that it only takes about a quart of crude oil to pollute 150,000 gallons of water. Crude oil contains substances such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that have been proven to cause severe reactions in humans - some mild, such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue. But studies have also linked exposure to these compounds to more serious conditions like leukemia and certain types of cancers.

Another negative health effect that could come from this massive environmental catastrophe is the potential for exposure to heavy metals, such as lead - which we know can be very detrimental to the health of an unborn child - resulting in low birth weight, developmental delays, miscarriage and even stillbirth. So pregnant women are especially vulnerable to these heavy metals.

Look, we all know what happens to us humans when our food chain gets contaminated with chemicals and the havoc it can wreak on our health. So the bottom line the best protection we have a situation like this is educating ourselves. The government is doing what they can to clean up and prevent human consumption of contaminated food, but we should also practice personal responsibility for the things we eat. It's important that attention be paid to the communities in the immediate areas of potential exposure. And certainly, for seafood lovers like myself, be aware of where your food is coming from.

The potential for health problems resulting from airborne pollutants where oil is washing ashore is minimal. But for those living in affected areas living with pulmonary diseases, like asthma or emphysema, aromatic irritants could enhance symptoms. As of now, there haven't been any reports of respiratory side effects, but just keep an eye on the story and take the proper precautions.

Finally, let us pray for the people of Louisiana and surrounding coastal communities, and for the fisherman whose livelihood will surely be affected by this terrible accident. In an area that has suffered great losses at the hands of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, it's imperative that we continue to show our love and support for the communities that have been a source of joy for Americans.