[StBernard] US Dept. Health and Human Services Murphy Oil Report

[Westley Annis]

Public Health Conclusions
ATSDR categorizes areas affected by visible oil contamination from the
Murphy Oil Spill as a public health hazard for normal residential use due to
the potential for skin contact and accidental ingestion of oil residues.

ATSDR categorizes the affected area as an indeterminate public health hazard
for air contamination due to the lack of air quality data.In the absence of
air data, it is not possible to assess inhalation exposures to airborne
volatiles that have evaporated from the petroleum product and remain trapped
inside buildings.

Recommendations
Reinhabiting homes with visible oil contamination is not recommended because
of the potential for skin exposure to oil substances.If people choose to
reenter the affected area before remediation, they should take precautions
to avoid contact with oil substances.Sensitive individuals, including
children and people with recently healed or open wounds, should avoid all
exposure to oil substances. 
Because children are more likely to be exposed to contaminated soil, local
officials should consider restricting children from entering areas
containing oil-related waste. 
Residents may be exposed to soil contaminants from contact with their pets;
therefore, local officials should consider restricting pets from entering
oil-contaminated areas. 
ATSDR endorses Louisiana 's guidance to protect people from exposure to oil
substances who choose to reenter properties before clean-up and remediation
activities are completed.This protective guidance recommends the following: 
Protect your skin from contacting oil.
Use oil resistant gloves.(Oil may dissolve latex gloves.Use another type of
glove.) 
Keep arms and legs covered. 
Wear coveralls or clothing that can be left at the oil-contaminated
residence. 
If you get oil on skin, (immediately) wash with soap and water. 
Wear boot covers or leave work boots at the oil-contaminated residence. 
Open doors and windows to ventilate the oil-contaminated residence. 
Do not transport oil contaminated items from the oil-contaminated residence
to noncontaminated locations.

ATSDR recommends workers cleaning up oil-contaminated property should wear
appropriate protective clothing.Petroleum products can degrade some
synthetic materials and fabrics, so oil-resistant protective footwear,
gloves, and clothing should be used. 

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Get the full report here:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/katrina/murphyoil/