Ill workers’ blood shows link to BP crude oil

Mike Nixon -

Test results from blood drawn among residents and workers along the Gulf coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama show a connection between reported illnesses and crude oil released from BP Deepwater Horizon explosion on April 20, 2010.

According to Wilma Subra, environmental scientist, president of New Iberia-based Subra Co., and results evaluator for testing conducted through Metametrix Clinical Laboratory of Duluth, Ga., all persons tested showed significant amounts of oil related toxins in their systems.

Curtis Thomas, BP director of government and public affairs, said Monday he was unaware of the report or blood testing.

Blood samples were collected on Dec. 16, 2010, from people, ranging in age from 3 to 43. Those tested had complained of persistent respiratory problems, headaches, nausea and rashes that had been experienced since the deadly blast and worst oil spill in U.S. history occurred nearly nine months ago.

Testing subjects included a diver who came in contact with BP spill chemicals, individuals who visited the coastal communities and wetlands, and people exposed along beaches.

Whole blood samples were analyzed for volatile solvents using multiple testing methods. In all blood samples, the toxic levels were in excess of a 95th percentile value. “When it exceeds the 95th percentile, there is an issue,” Subra said.

The male diver in this test had the highest concentration of Ethylbenzene at 0.63 parts per billion, which was 5.7 times the 95th percentile value.

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