New Documentary Explains How BP Covered Up the Oil Spill Health Crisis | One Small Step | NowThis

Summary

This documentary highlights the long-lasting health and environmental impacts of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill, which released millions of gallons of oil, has caused severe health issues in local communities, including rashes, respiratory problems, and blood disorders. Despite a government cover-up, the use of chemical dispersants worsened the situation, making it even more toxic. The documentary reveals ongoing health consequences and the inadequacy of cleanup efforts. It warns of future oil development plans in U.S. waters that continue to ignore public safety and environmental risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 BP oil rig explosion in 2010 caused 795 million gallons of oil to spill into the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people.
• 😀 Cleanup efforts involved spraying massive amounts of chemical dispersants, leading to severe health consequences for local communities.
• 😀 Symptoms reported by residents included rashes, respiratory issues, dizziness, and blood disorders, affecting both adults and children.
• 😀 Some children have experienced frequent nosebleeds and hair loss as a result of exposure to the chemicals used during cleanup.
• 😀 Local communities, with populations as small as 4,000, have seen an alarming number of funerals, with 22 occurring in just 22 months.
• 😀 Health effects from the spill were not just biological; the symptoms seemed chemical in nature, suggesting the use of toxic chemicals during cleanup.
• 😀 Dispersants used in cleanup efforts created a substance up to 52 times more toxic than the oil itself.
• 😀 Many residents report ongoing health issues, and the true long-term effects are still unknown, with cancer clusters expected in the future.
• 😀 Hurricanes stir up the toxic residue from the spill, creating repeated exposures to harmful chemicals for those in coastal areas.
• 😀 The same pre-approved chemical spill response plan remains in place for future spills, with no public consultation or permission required.

Q & A

What was the impact of the BP oil spill on the local communities?

The BP oil spill had severe health consequences for local communities, including rashes, skin lesions, eye irritation, dizziness, and other health issues. The spill led to a high number of funerals in small communities and various ongoing health problems in both children and adults.

How did the use of chemical dispersants during the clean-up contribute to the health crisis?

Chemical dispersants, which were sprayed on the oil to break it up, caused serious health issues for those exposed. People reported strange health effects such as persistent coughs, rashes, and eye irritation. The dispersants were found to be more toxic than the oil itself when mixed with it, exacerbating the health crisis.

What did local residents experience in terms of health problems after the spill?

Residents in the affected areas experienced a variety of health issues, including rashes, respiratory problems, nosebleeds, blood disorders, and even hair loss. There were also reports of children suffering from frequent nosebleeds and other chronic health conditions.

What was the government's response to the health issues caused by the oil spill?

The government's response was criticized for being inadequate. Many residents felt ignored and abandoned, as there was no effective action to address the health issues caused by the spill. Even though health problems were evident, there was no clear intervention from representatives or officials.

How did the use of chemical dispersants affect wildlife, particularly birds?

The chemical dispersants used during the clean-up stripped oil off of bird feathers, which removed their natural oils. This not only harmed the birds by disrupting their insulation but also left them more vulnerable to the toxic effects of the chemicals.

What did the filmmakers and scientists reveal about the long-term health effects of the spill?

Filmmakers and scientists highlighted that the health effects were more severe than initially anticipated. Cancer clusters were expected to develop within 20 years, but they began appearing within just two years. This suggested the lasting impact of the chemicals used in the spill response.

What are the risks associated with hurricanes in the Gulf region following the oil spill?

Hurricanes stir up oil and chemicals from the spill that were previously deposited in the water. When these substances are brought ashore and into the air, they pose a continued risk of repeated exposure for local residents, making the health consequences long-term and ongoing.

How does repeated exposure to the chemicals affect the human body?

Repeated exposure to the chemicals causes the human body to overreact due to the immune system recognizing the chemicals as harmful. This can lead to more severe reactions upon future exposures, compounding the health risks for affected individuals.

What are the potential dangers of the government's pre-approved response plan to future oil spills?

The pre-approved response plan allows the use of dispersants without public consultation or notification. This means that in the event of another spill, residents could be exposed to these harmful chemicals again without being informed or asked for consent, increasing health risks.

Why is the issue of chemical dispersants not receiving enough focus in the media?

The media largely focused on the visible oil spill, but the real danger lies in the chemical dispersants used, which are up to 52 times more toxic than the oil itself. The combination of these chemicals and their effects on both human health and the environment have not been given the attention they deserve.