The adverse health effects of oil spills: a review of the literature and a framework for medically evaluating exposed individuals.

In April 2010, an explosion on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico killed 11 workers, injured 17 workers, and spilled an estimated 185 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf. Adverse effects on the health of cleanup workers, fishermen, and others as well as on the ecosystem are being studied. This paper reviews published studies of the adverse health effects due to previous oil spills. Acute effects have included: respiratory, eye, and skin symptoms; headache; nausea; dizziness; and tiredness or fatigue. Chronic effects have included: psychological disorders, respiratory disorders, genotoxic effects, and endocrine abnormalities. We also present a systematic approach to evaluating individuals exposed to oil spills.

Neurologic effects of manganese in humans: a review.

Manganese, which enters the body primarily via inhalation, can damage the nervous system and respiratory tract, as well as have other adverse effects. Occupational exposures occur mainly in mining, alloy production, processing, ferro-manganese operations, welding, and work with agrochemicals. Among the neurologic effects is an irreversible parkinsonian-like syndrome. An estimated 500,000 to 1.5 million people in the United States have Parkinson's disease, and physicians need to consider manganese exposure in its differential diagnosis. Since 1837, there have been many reports of cases and case series describing manganese toxicity. More recently, there have been epidemiologic studies of its adverse effects on health. Occupational medicine physicians can play critical roles in preventing the adverse health effects of manganese.