The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill left many tourists and residents questioning if oil and the dispersants used to keep oil from reaching the shore could make them sick. Scientists studied the health risks of lingering chemicals from the spill.
This fact sheet covers common questions, such as:
- Is Gulf seafood safe to eat?
- Are beaches safe to visit?
- Is the water safe for swimming?
- What to do if you come in contact with oil or tar at the beach?
This work was made possible in part by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, and in part by the Sea Grant programs of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi-Alabama. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations do not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations.