In the nine months since the Gulf oil spill, residents have continued to express concern and frustration with the events leading up to and following the disaster.
The Louisiana Environmental Action Network released the blood test results taken from 12 residents in September, November, and December of last year which reveal unusually high levels of several toxic chemicals found in crude oil.
Those tested had high levels of benzene which has been known to cause anemia, leukemia, and fertility problems for women. Also found was ethylbenzene which can damage hearing, cause dizziness, and kidney damage and xylene which can lead to headaches, confusion, dizziness, and skin rashes.
The twelve tested ranged in age from 10 to 66. The six women, four men, and two boys were residents, fisherman, and cleanup crew at the time of the spill. The two children had the most chemicals in their system. One is also currently suffering from respiratory problems.
Residents are pleading for more government attention.
