Emergency medical crews deploying to Gulf Coast because of “potential danger” to health from oil spill

May 28, 2010

WorldTVNews.com

WASHINGTON - Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said Friday afternoon she is “very concerned” about the impact of the BP oil disaster on the human population in the five endangered gulf states.

In a conference call with reporters in which she did not take questions, Sebelius said oil mist, chemicals including benzene and other “volitile organic compounds” could pose a risk to oil cleanup workers and eventually coastal residents.

“As oil comes ashore, the potential danger to health may increase,” Sebelius said.

While she has activited the National Disaster Medical System to supplement state and local medical response efforts, Sebelius said officials have received only “a few complaints” of nausea, headaches and coughs for which a variety of factors could be to blame.

Federal agencies are also trying to make sure contaminted fish, crabs and oysters are kept out of the food supply.

Sebelius said she has sent a letter to BP’s chairman saying health consequences of the oil disaster are BP’s responsibility, and the company is expectd to pay for the costs of health care and monitoring.

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HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius