As the crude oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico ruins beaches and kills marine life in its path, environmental health experts have raised concern over how the health of humans will be harmed by exposure to the oil. While South Florida and other areas of the Southeastern USA await the potential effects of the spread of leaking crude oil, residents can learn to protect themselves from the health risks posed by oil exposure.
Oil is made up primarily of hydrocarbons, which can cause irritation to respiratory airways and skin. The hydrocarbons that are the most hazardous to humans are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs that pose a major risk to our health are benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Oil also contains small amounts of toxins such as mercury, arsenic, lead, and hydrogen sulfide. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, anemia, confusion, rapid heart rate, irritation of the eyes and throat, and difficulty breathing are some of the side effects of inhaling oil fumes. Lengthy exposure to high doses of these toxic vapors can even lead to a chemically induced pneumonia. People who have direct skin contact with the crude oil or oil-contaminated water can experience skin-irritation, rashes, and oil-clogged pores.
Compounding this hazard is the use by British Petroleum of the dispersant Corexit to keep the oil from reaching beaches on the surface. Corexit is EPA approved for this use but is acknowledged to have high toxicity levels. These exposures can lead to chronic illness. Any individuals working to clean up oil spills need to take great precautions to protect themselves from skin and air contact with these hazardous materials. Those already exposed may wish to consult with health care practitioners who specialize in detoxification from exposure to volatile organic compounds and metal toxins. Lemon juice, chlorella, vitamin C, B vitamins, and liquid minerals are components of detox strategies recommended for benzene and other toxic components of oil vapors. For emergency help with exposure to toxic materials readers can call poison control at 1-800-222-1222.
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Citrus juices are not recommended for detoxing heavy metals. People need to stick with the green juices like spinach leaf w/ apple. Lot's of cilantro. Miso is good but not regular soy. Eating lot's of oatmeal is good too. You gotta keep your intestines full of fiber that grab and hold the toxins to remove them your bodies. The Dietitian who studies and writes a book on detoxing from heavy metals will have a best seller if they produce the proper information.
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