Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
NEWS RELEASE
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5520
www.adph.org
ADPH issues precautions related to Gulf oil spill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jim McVay, DrPA
(334) 206-5600
(334) 288-4888
(334) 201-8660
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has prompted the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to
prepare for the issuance of health advisories in the event they are warranted. The ADPH may
close the oyster beds in Alabama as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which could
affect the oyster beds and the shellfish. Advisories will be posted where necessary in specific
bodies of water contaminated by oil.
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
RSA Tower 201 Monroe Street, Suite 914 Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone 334-206-5300 Fax 334-206-5520
www.adph.org
ADPH issues precautions related to Gulf oil spill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jim McVay, DrPA
(334) 206-5600
(334) 288-4888
(334) 201-8660
The Gulf of Mexico oil spill has prompted the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) to
prepare for the issuance of health advisories in the event they are warranted. The ADPH may
close the oyster beds in Alabama as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which could
affect the oyster beds and the shellfish. Advisories will be posted where necessary in specific
bodies of water contaminated by oil.
?We are working to obtain up-to-date information as a public health priority, and we will provide
additional reports as more information becomes available,? said Dr. Donald Williamson, state
health officer. In the interim, please consider the following:
additional reports as more information becomes available,? said Dr. Donald Williamson, state
health officer. In the interim, please consider the following:
1.
Odor
If you are close to the Gulf Coast you may detect an odor as a result of the oil spill. Some
people also may be sensitive to any change in air quality, which could cause symptoms such as
lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or headaches. If you have these symptoms, authorities
recommend you consider staying indoors, ventilating your home with air conditioning, and
avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. If these symptoms do not improve, you should then
consider contacting your primary care physician or other health care provider for medical
advice. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness,
you should consider communicating with your physician if you feel symptomatic.
lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting or headaches. If you have these symptoms, authorities
recommend you consider staying indoors, ventilating your home with air conditioning, and
avoiding strenuous outdoor activity. If these symptoms do not improve, you should then
consider contacting your primary care physician or other health care provider for medical
advice. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma or other respiratory illness,
you should consider communicating with your physician if you feel symptomatic.
2.
Food Advisories
? If a fish smells or tastes like oil, do not eat it.
? Wash hands before eating.
3.
Protective Measures
The following protective measures should be taken if you are in the area of the Gulf oil spill:
? Avoid direct contact with the oil.
? If you get oil or tar balls on your skin, wash with soap and water.
? Launder articles of clothing as usual if you get oil on them.
? There is no need to use harsh detergents, solvents or other chemicals to wash oil from
skin or clothing, and it is discouraged.
? If you get oil or tar balls on your skin, wash with soap and water.
? Launder articles of clothing as usual if you get oil on them.
? There is no need to use harsh detergents, solvents or other chemicals to wash oil from
skin or clothing, and it is discouraged.
4/30/10