Recently, due to the devastating occurrence of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, there is heightened concern regarding the adverse effects of oil on the health of pregnant mothers. While there is much data collected on the effects of oil spills on human health, there is limited data available when it comes to its effects on pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. At the present time we have not found any convincing data that suggests significant toxicity to either the pregnant fetus, or to the breastfed infant "as long as the mother avoids direct contact with the oil". The most common adverse effects of oil spills are headaches, sore itchy eyes, and throat irritation. (1) Specifically for pregnant mothers, there is one study that reports adverse effects that include eye irritation, headaches, skin reactions, and abdominal pain. (2)
From data compiled from various major oil spills in the past, it appears that the amount of volatile organic compounds (ex. benzene, toluene, xylene) in the air is substantially lower than acceptable occupational limits: 10 ppm for benzene, 100 ppm for toluene, and 100 ppm for xylene. Because of the extreme size of this oil spill, these levels may not be consistent with the current spill.
Thus, exposure to these volatile compounds in air, probably presents minimal toxicity and harm in the short-term. But again, this assumes rather distant contact with the oil, rather than direct contact as with cleaning efforts.
Increased risk of cancer is a fear shared by many, however it seems there is only a minutely increased risk of developing cancer due to direct exposure with oil spills. (1)
Table 1
EPA Air Sample Data 6/1/10 - 6/9/10 in Alabama, Florida, Lousiana, and Mississippi
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Lowest Values (ppb) High Values (ppb) Occupational Limits (ppb)
Benzene 0.09 0.49 10,000
Toluene 0.06 12.92 100,000
Xylene 0.08 0.43 100,000
Data converted from µg/m3 to ppm (1 ppm=3.25 mg/m3)
Nevertheless, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should not have direct contact with the oil spill, particularly volunteering to aid in cleaning up the spill. Adverse health effects from direct exposure to oil include dermatitis, lumbar pain, migraine, respiratory problems, and nausea. Please remember to minimize direct exposure as much as possible; adults are usually exposed to residual oil by contaminated rocks. (1)
It is important to note that mental disorders that arise from oil spill exposure are mainly caused by perceived risk. Thus, higher levels of anxiety and depression are not caused by direct exposure to oil spill itself, but rather, are due to our negative reactions toward it. (1)
We must also take into consideration the fact that in modern day society we are constantly exposed to carcinogens from oil (benzene, toluene, xylene) in the atmosphere to varying degrees. The closer we are to a highway, the more exposure we have to these carcinogens.
Similarly, the farther we are away from an oil spill, the less exposure we have to these same carcinogens.
In general, females are more susceptible to the ill effects of oil spill. (1)
Finally, pregnant women should not be directly exposed to oil or its clean up measures. If the fumes are excessive, leave the area.
Breastfeeding mothers should not be directly exposed to oil or its clean up measures. If the fumes are excessive, leave the area.
Please check out the CDC site below on oil spills and pregnant women.
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/gulfoilspill2010/2010gulfoilspill/pregnancy_oilspi...
References:
1. Aguilera F, Mendez J, Pasaro E, Laffon B. Review on the effects of exposure to spilled oils on human health. J Appl Toxicol. May;30(4):291-301.
2. Kim BM, Park E, LeeAn SY, et al. [BTEX exposure and its health effects in pregnant women following the Hebei Spirit oil spill]. J Prev Med Public Health. Mar 2009;42(2):96-103.
