Link between oil spill exposure and hematologic, hepatic toxicity
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 - 10:30
in Health & Medicine
A new study reports that workers exposed to crude oil and dispersants used during the Gulf oil spill cleanup display significantly altered blood profiles, liver enzymes, and somatic symptoms compared to an unexposed control group. Investigators found that platelet counts were significantly decreased in the exposed group, while both hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were notably increased. Their findings suggest that oil spill cleanup workers are at risk for developing hepatic or blood-related disorders.