Crude Oil Spill Exposure and Human Health Risks

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to review and summarize published studies on human health effects of oil spill exposure. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted for articles published on health effects of oil spill exposure. More than 250 articles were examined, and only those articles that dealt with health effects on human populations were included. The methodology, results, discussion, and conclusions for each study were reviewed and summarized. RESULTS: Published studies are helpful in identifying acute and, to some extent, chronic health effects related to major oil spills. Nevertheless, many of these reports were focused on the behavioral health effects of the oil spill exposures in the affected population. CONCLUSIONS: These published studies clearly support the need for further assessment of the potential short- and long-term repercussions in human populations exposed to oil spills.