If you come in contact with an oil spill, you must pay extra attention to how you feel. Crude oil can be hazardous when it gets out of control.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. endures thousands of oil spills every year. Because these spills tend to be small, many people overlook them. However, no matter how minor the situation seems to be, you should know when to seek treatment.
Symptoms
Overlooking symptoms can cause your condition to worsen. Researchers did two studies on response workers who handled the Gulf of Mexico oil spill: The first was shortly after the incident, while the follow-up was seven years later. 84% of the workers had normal pulmonary functions in the first round, but the number dropped to 48% the second time. Also, many of the workers still had cardiac issues, skin rashes, headaches, painful joints and other conditions seven years after exposure.
Treatment
Because oil spill exposure can lead to serious injury over time, you should not take any chances. Seeing a doctor early on is your best bet, especially if you are experiencing symptoms. Upon examination, you can speak to your doctor about treatment and how much it should cost. You can then look into getting compensation for the incident.
In the event of an oil spill, it can be difficult to determine what has happened, who is responsible and what will come from it. Regardless of the complexities, your first step should be taking care of yourself.
