CNN.com is reporting that 162 cases of illness have been reported to the Louisiana state health department, all related to the BP oil spill in the Gulf Of Mexico. Of the 162 reported cases, 128 were from people who worked on the oil rig or helped in the clean up operation.
The department’s weekly oil spill surveillance report says that since the oil spill occurred, 120 male workers, 8 female workers and 9 men and 25 women from the general public have complained of illnesses allegedly linked to the spill. The age of the people reporting illnesses ranged from between 18 and 64.
The report says that symptoms off the illnesses include,"“throat irritation, shortness of breath, cough, eye irritation, nausea and headaches".
The majority of the illnesses seem to be coming from exposure to the chemicals used in BP's clean up operations.
The chemicals in question are a line of dispersants called Corexit, which have previously been outlawed in Britain.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine has that BP pay $10 million in compensation for the purposes of paying for “six months of mental health services to people affected by the spill.
Levine also said that Catholic Charities is seeking $3.2 million, also for six months of mental health services.
2000 people have already been counselled in areas affected by the spill. people affected by the spill have been treated for "increases in anxiety, depression, stress, grief, excessive drinking, earlier drinking and suicidal ideation,” according to Levine.
If you feel you have a claim based on exposure to harmful chemicals toxins, make sure to contact a personal injury attorney today.
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