Effect of duration of exposure to polluted air environment on lung function in subjects exposed to crude oil spill into sea water.

[Snowy Owl]

Effect of duration of exposure to polluted air environment on lung function in subjects exposed to crude oil spill into sea water.

Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2009;22(1):35-41.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19351614

Meo SA, Al-Drees AM, Rasheed S, Meo IM, Khan MM, Al-Saadi MM, Alkandari JR.

Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. sultanmeo@hotmail.com

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Oil spill in sea water represents a huge environmental disaster for marine life and humans in the vicinity. The aim was to investigate the effect of duration of exposure to polluted air environment on lung function in subjects exposed to crude oil spill into sea water.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The present study was conducted under the supervision of Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the period July 2003 - December 2004. This was a comparative study of spirometry in 31 apparently healthy, non smoking, male workers, exposed to crude oil spill environment during the oil cleaning operation. The exposed group was matched with similar number of male, non smoking control subjects. Pulmonary function test was performed by using an electronic spirometer.

RESULTS:

Subjects exposed to polluted air for periods longer than 15 days showed a significant reduction in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in First Second (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Flow in 25-25% (FEF25-75%) and Maximal Voluntary Ventilation (MVV).

CONCLUSION:

Air environment polluted due to crude oil spill into sea water caused impaired lung function and this impairment was associated with dose response effect of duration of exposure to air polluted by crude oil spill into sea water.

PMID: 19351614 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Snowy Owl]

Mar Pollut Bull. 2008 Jan;56(1):88-94. Epub 2007 Nov 26.
Lung function in subjects exposed to crude oil spill into sea water.

Meo SA, Al-Drees AM, Meo IM, Al-Saadi MM, Azeem MA.

Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

A Greek oil-tanker ran aground, resulting in a huge oil spill along the costal areas of Karachi, Pakistan.

The purpose of this study was to assess the lung function and follow up change after one year in subjects exposed to crude oil spill in sea water

.

It was a cross sectional study with follow up in 20 apparently healthy, non-smoking, male workers, who were exposed to a crude oil spill environment during oil cleaning operation.

The exposed group was matched with 31 apparently healthy male control subjects.

Pulmonary function test was performed using an electronic Spirometer.

Subjects exposed to polluted air have significant reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV(1)), forced expiratory flow (FEF(25-75%)) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) compared to their matched controls. This impairment was reversible and lung functions parameters were improved when the subjects were withdrawn from the polluted air environment.

PMID: 18031764 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

IS THAT MEAN WE WILL SOON WITNESS EMIGRATION FOR HEALTH REASON ?

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J Prev Med Public Health. 2008 Sep;41(5):345-54.
[A literature review on health effects of exposure to oil spill]
[Article in Korean]

Ha M, Lee WJ, Lee S, Cheong HK.

Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Korea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Our objective is to review and summarize the previous studies on the health effects of exposure to oil spills in order to make suggestions for mid- and long-term study plans regarding the health effects of the Hebei Spirit oil spill occurred in Korea.

METHODS:

We searched PubMed to systemically retrieve reports on the human health effects related to oil spill accidents. The papers' reference lists and reviews on the topic were searched as well.

RESULTS:

We found 24 articles that examined seven oil spill accidents worldwide over the period from 1989 to August 2008, including the Exxon Valdes, Braer, Sea Empress, Erika, Nakhodka, Prestige and Tasman Spirit oil spills.

Most of the studies applied cross-sectional and short-term follow-up study designs. The exposure level was measured by assessing the place of residence, using a questionnaire and environmental and personal monitoring.

Studies on the acute or immediate health effects mainly focused on the subjective physical symptoms related to clean-up work or residential exposure. Late or mid-term follow-up studies were performed to investigate a range of health effects such as pulmonary function and endocrine, immunologic and genetic toxicity.

The economic and social impact of the accidents resulted in the socio-psychological exposure and the psychosocial health effects.

CONCLUSIONS:

Studies of the health effects of exposure to oil spills should consider a range of health outcomes, including the physical and psychological effects, and the studies should be extended for a considerable period of time to study the long-term chronic health effects.

PMID: 18827503 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]Free Article

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Louisiana Reports 71 Oil Spill Related Exposure Illnesses To Date

Seventy-one cases of oil spill-related illnesses have been reported to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to date, according to a report released today. Fifty of those involved workers on oil rigs or those involved in the oil spill clean-up efforts, while 21 illnesses were reported by the general public.

Worker Illnesses

Most workers who reported exposure-related illnesses experienced symptoms such as throat irritation, cough, shortness of breath, eye irritation, nausea, chest pain and headaches. Eight workers were hospitalized. These hospitalizations averaged one day.

Illness Reported by General Public

Most of the illnesses reported by the general public have been related to odors from the oil spill. Officials have urged those who may be sensitive to the odors to stay indoors with doors and windows closed, and to run their air conditioning. Residents with pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness, should consider contacting their physician if they feel symptomatic.