Deepwater Horizon oil spill health effects study begins round 2

Research Triangle Park, NC – The second phase of a study to evaluate the health of cleanup workers who responded to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is beginning, and researchers are encouraging participants to stay involved with the project.

The study is being conducted by the National Institutes of Health, and about 33,000 people originally were enrolled, according to an NIH press release.

The first set of examinations revealed that cleanup workers were more likely than residents who did not perform cleanup to have moderate-to-severe depression and anxiety. These findings need to be explored further to learn more about exposure to oil and dispersants, the press release states.

Researchers are asking study participants to call (855) 644-4853 to schedule follow-up interviews and participate in the second round of exams.

Workers who participate in the second set of exams will receive results from blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings, and will be referred for health care as needed.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded April 20, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 workers and causing the largest inadvertent oil spill ever.