Oil Spill Cleanup and Skin Conditions: DLH-Supported Findings from Deepwater Horizon Disaster Response

DLH experts Braxton Jackson and Kate Christenbury were among the authors of a paper titled “Skin conditions associated with dermal exposure to oil spill chemicals among Deepwater Horizon disaster response and cleanup workers” published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (294). Researchers investigated the relationship between dermal exposure to oil spill response chemicals (OSRCs) and both acute and chronic skin conditions among individuals involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster response efforts. The researchers examined associations with work duration, job class, and several specific chemical agents, including quantitative estimates of exposure to crude oil components that have rarely been evaluated. 

Key Findings: 

• Prevalence of Skin Conditions: Workers involved in the cleanup reported skin conditions during the spill and continued to experience these issues 1-3 years afterward. 

• Exposure Factors: Increased risk of skin conditions was associated with longer work durations, roles beyond support jobs, and dermal exposure to substances like oil/tar, decontamination chemicals, dispersants, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). 

• Protective Equipment Usage: The study noted stronger associations between skin conditions and exposure among workers who did not use gloves during the cleanup, highlighting the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE). 

• Long-Term Effects: There was a positive correlation between the duration of oil spill work and acute skin effects, with workers involved for extended periods reporting higher occurrences of skin conditions and eczema diagnoses up to six years post-spill. 

• Job-Specific Risks: Workers directly engaged in spill cleanup experienced both immediate and long-term skin effects more frequently than those in support roles. 

The research utilized detailed work histories from participants and introduced novel methods for estimating dermal exposure to PAHs. By examining job classifications, specific exposure agents, and evaluating the effect modification by glove usage, the study identified higher-risk worker groups and provided evidence supporting PPE use as a mitigation strategy. 

While many studies relating to adverse dermal effects of oil spill response chemicals evaluated prevalent acute skin symptoms among workers only during or immediately after spill cleanup work, this study is among the few that assessed and found longer-term skin effects of OSRC work. The results suggest a need to continue monitoring workers’ skin health after exposure. The findings of this study underscore the notion that changes in workplace practices, such as increased use of gloves and other personal protective equipment, may offer some protection against the dermal effects of exposures during oil spill cleanup work.  

Interested in learning more about DLH-supported research? Explore DLH’s publications, presentations, and more in our latest Research Update.