The Gulf Oil Spill: The Environmental Impact

Topic: 
Environmental Health
Format: 
Online Course
Time: 
2 hours
Level: 
Introductory
University: 
University of Alabama
PERLC: 
South Central PERLC

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Description: 

The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon on April 2010 and the consequent Gulf Oil Spill has raised many public health questions. Will the oil make me sick? What could be in the air? Is the seafood that gets to market safe? Is it safe to go to the beach? In order to assess the public health effects, it's important to understand the components and characteristics of oil. This course will provide information about crude oil, weathered oil, and dispersants. Public health aspects related to exposure to air contaminants, seafood, beach advisories, and worker safety will also be discussed.

Learning Objectives: 
  • Describe the Deepwater Horizon incident and oil spill
  • Describe the components of crude oil and its characteristics
  • Give the characteristics of weathered oil and relate to health
  • Explain how dispersants work on oil
  • Describe public health actions related to exposure to air contaminants, seafood, beach advisories, and worker safety