42 
Gràbsch - Health effects of mineral oil and dispersants 
It is conceivable, that the WAFs of oil-dispersant mixtures are probably aerosolized in the 
marine environment, similar to the creation of other sea surface aerosols. There is a possibil 
ity of inhalation and dermal exposure not only at the spill site, but also on a wider area and 
especially within zones of breaking waves near the beaches. 
It is assumed that toxic effects, especially the dispersant-mediated absorption of oil constitu 
ents in the gut but also in the lung will have an impact. The dispersant component DOSS for 
example is known as enhancer for alveolar absorption (Wollmer et al. 2000). Additionally, 
target-specific effects of the surface active substances in the lung are likely. 
Health Effects of Oil-Dispersant-Mixtures 
In April 2010, the Deepwater Horizon rig exploded. Only after hospitalization of some oil spill 
clean-up workers and two months after the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, NIOSH 
conducted a health survey among clean-up workers. No data on health effects exist for the 
initial phase of the spill when exposure started. 
The survey considers different working activities related to different exposure scenarios at 
different locations. NIOSH included also a control group, which was involved in the adminis 
trative work only. All groups suffered more or less to the same extend from heat stress or 
psycho-social strains. 
Effects and Symptoms 
■ Wildlife Cleaning 
(n=54) 
■ Oil Skimming 
(n=190) 
Work on Vessels 
(n=123) 
■ Beach Clean-up 
(n=74) 
■ Not involved in 
Exposure (n=103) 
Figure 7.2: Health hazard evaluation between June and July 2010 conducted by NIOSH 
data adopted from (Goldstein et al. 2011) 
As seen in Figure 7.2, wildlife clean-up workers suffered the strongest health effects, with 
injuries and orthopedic symptoms dominating. Both could be explained by the handling of 
wildlife animals and the physical strain of this clean-up activity. Irritation of the skin was sig 
nificant and originated from direct skin contact with oil and dispersants when handling the 
animals. The other group with perceptible health impacts was the group of workers on ves 
sels at sea, who applied or monitored the dispersants. They suffered from irritation to eyes 
and upper airways. But also headache and impact on psychic health were reported. 
Beach cleaners reported additionally also effects on the lower respiratory tract. Fishermen on 
shrimp boats which were involved in skimming of oil had a lower frequency of symptoms.