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Oil Spill Sparks Pregnancy Concerns; OTIS Offers Facts

On April 20, 2010 an explosion caused an oil rig to leak large amounts of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.  This has raised concerns for pregnant women living near the spill.  In general, residents are expected to have only low level exposures and minimal to no symptoms, and therefore should be reassured that their pregnancies are not likely to be at increased risk.

Many of the chemicals in the spill, like fuel and solvent fumes, have a low smell threshold meaning that they can be smelled even at levels not thought to affect health.   Therefore, even though you may be able to smell a gas station-like smell, the chemicals can still be at low levels, and unlikely to cause a problem for you or the baby.  According to recent updates from the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA (http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/) the air and water quality within the Gulf region are at normal levels.

The level of the chemicals is a key factor because the oil, gas and solvent fumes may pose an increased risk to a pregnancy when they are inhaled in very high amounts (usually for the purpose of intoxication or “to get high”).  A syndrome similar to fetal alcohol syndrome (characteristic facial features and brain and growth problems) has been suggested following reports of women purposely inhaling very high doses of gasoline or solvents to get high. These doses are much, much higher than what could be accidentally inhaled by living in the area.  Less severe effects on a pregnancy would be more of a concern with indoor exposures without adequate ventilation and symptoms in the mother rather than outdoor air low exposure. 

Individuals with respiratory conditions, like asthma, may be more likely to experience breathing problems even with low levels of chemical inhalation. Some people may experience headache or nausea from the smells even with low levels of chemicals.

Since drinking water does not come from the salt water gulf, drinking water should not be affected.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to follow the recommendations of the EPA and their local health departments in terms of swimming and fish consumption. As always, if there are concerns regarding any particular exposure, women and their health care providers are encourage to call OTIS at 1-866-626-6847 to speak with one of our specialists.