Oil spill response workers and volunteers may be exposed to many different chemical and environmental hazards. This document only discusses the chemical exposure portion of a comprehensive health and safety plan and is intended to provide guidance for occupational safety and health professionals involved with developing industrial hygiene sampling plans. The specific chemicals and concentrations will vary depending on the location of the oil, length of time since the oil was released into the environment, type and stage of response, materials used during spill remediation, climate conditions, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the workers’ specific tasks. Obtaining accurate and useful worker exposure information is a crucial element in ensuring exposures are correctly characterized, risk is communicated appropriately, and sufficient information is available for making evidence-based decisions (e.g., PPE) to protect the health and safety of oil spill response workers. This document provides information and guidance for establishing successful oil spill worker exposure (industrial hygiene) assessment plans for chemical contaminants.

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Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection

Gulf of Mexico