Aquaponics:The most sustainable and productive way to grow your own food. And it's easy! DIY Plans and Compete Training
The Mother of All Financial Bubbles is Just Now Starting to Pop… Click here to learn more.
Please Visit The Economic Collapse Bookstore

The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill Is Making A Lot Of People Really Sick

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill is already the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history, but what most people don't know is that it is rapidly turning into a public health disaster of frightening proportions.  Reports are scattered and mostly anecdotal at this point (as BP and the U.S. government try to keep a lid on information getting out), but it is becoming increasingly clear that the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and/or the chemical dispersants being used are making a lot of people sick.  So far most of the reports have been about breathing difficulties, vomiting and various flu-like symptoms.  But it is the health effects that will take a long time to show up that are the most concerning.  For example, this oil spill has released massive amounts of benzene into the Gulf.  Benzene actually enters human cells and damages DNA material.   In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services tells us that exposure to benzene has been proven to cause leukemia.  So are we about to see a massive wave of cancer sweep the Gulf coast? (Read More.....)

Tags: , , , , | Category: Environment, Health | 33 comments

Benzene And Hydrogen Sulfide: The Real Dangers From The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill?

While most of the attention so far has been on the millions of gallons of oil that have escaped from the damaged BP rig in the Gulf of Mexico, many environmentalists are now wondering if the real danger to humans from this whole crisis may be the massive amounts of benzene and hydrogen sulfide that are escaping into the air.  Hydrogen sulfide is a chemical asphyxiant, similar to carbon monoxide and cyanide gases.  It causes "biochemical suffocation" by inhibiting cellular respiration and the uptake of oxygen.  Benzene is a highly carcinogenic gas that can cause death if inhaled at high enough concentrations.  Not only that, benzene has been shown to cause leukemia in all its forms.  High levels of both gases have been detected at testing stations in the Gulf of Mexico.  In addition, it is being reported that many fishermen in the Gulf that have been assisting with cleanup efforts have been getting seriously ill from breathing that air.  There have been reports of symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, coughing, sore throats, and stuffy sinuses.  So as this oil spill continues and even more of these gases are released, are people across the southeast United States about to start breathing air that is filled with highly toxic gases?  Are we about to see the American Dream turned into a total nightmare for tens of millions of Americans?  What some scientists are now telling us about the release of these gases is truly frightening. (Read More.....)

Tags: , , | Category: Environment | 21 comments