Perceived and Anticipated Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Before being capped, the ruptured Deepwater Horizon oil well spilled an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil in to the Gulf of Mexico, making it the largest accidental oil disaster in history. Experts have noted that the complexity of the spill, the multi-dimensional social and economic aspects of the catastrophe, and the ongoing uncertainty all contribute to the potential for both physical and mental health effects. This study focused on the short- and potential long-term impacts of the disaster on local residents, particularly children. Using a random digit dial telephone survey, in July 2010 we interviewed 1,203 residents of Louisiana and Mississippi living within a 10 mile radius of the coastline. Respondents were asked about their exposure status, physical and mental health, and economic impact since the oil spill. Households with children were specifically oversampled and were asked about their child's emotional, behavioral, physical and mental health. Findings suggested that the social and economic consequences of the oil spill mediated the health effects, particularly those associated with mental health effects. The findings also suggested that traditionally vulnerable populations - women, African-Americans, and poorer populations, would be the most affected by potential long-term effects. This representative population study illustrates that economic and health concerns are widespread among coastal residents. The human impact of the oil spill in the Gulf Coast's "social ecology," that of its residents, communities, and social networks, may only be accelerated by the overwhelming and ongoing uncertainties presented by this environmental disaster.