College Students' Perceptions of Seafood Consumption Risk after Gulf Oil Spill

Background: The Deepwater Horizon oil explosion had a significant impact on individuals living near the Gulf of Mexico. In southeastern Louisiana, some were affected by the loss of income and jobs, and changes in health status and seafood consumption.

Purpose: This retrospective study examined perceptions related to seafood consumption and associated behaviors of students and staff at a southeastern Louisiana university.

Methods: Advice from a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expert and other professionals was solicited during the pilot testing of the survey. Then 1436 individuals were randomly selected to receive an explanatory email with a link to demographic, behavior and perception items.  Non-responders received second and third requests at three-week intervals, resulting in 239 participants.

Results:  Nearly all respondents (97%) had consumed Gulf seafood. Concern about the safety of seafood consumption varied from before the spill (17%), during the six months after the spill (80-82%) and one year later (57%). Nearly two thirds (61%) indicated no change in seafood consumption after the spill, with 35% stating a decrease and 4% reporting an increase. Before the spill, only 43% of the respondents asked about the source of seafood, while 64% did so after the spill.

Conclusions: Respondents had different levels of concern about seafood consumption throughout the spill. Most (80-88%) were disturbed about oil and dispersants on and in the water, and on the Gulf bottom. Although TV and newspapers were primary sources of information, ongoing environmental health education could provide timely, accurate information regarding safe seafood consumption.