The Gulf of Mexico Offshore Toxicology Study

The 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil crisis started 50 miles offshore in more than 5,000 feet of water releasing approximately 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf. It became the worst marine oil spill in U.S. history and one of the worst in world history. At least 2 million gallons of chemical dispersants were administered to the oil in order to reduce its impact on coastlines and inshore waters. This approach was the first use of these chemicals on such a massive scale. In addition, the oil and dispersants contained metals including genotoxic metals like chromium and nickel. The toxicity of the dispersants, dispersed oil and metals mixed with dispersants and oil is poorly understood. It is still unclear, from a scientific point of view, whether application of dispersants was successful or not. States like Maine, Alaska and others with large oil-related activity face significant risks of large oil spills. Thus, it is essential to learn the necessary lessons from this crisis. To address this need, we are conducting The Gulf of Mexico Offshore Toxicology Study. This multiyear study uses this crisis as a case study of oil pollution and seeks to understand the impacts of chemical dispersants, crude oil, dispersed oil and oil-related metals on marine life and human health. It focuses on whales as representative species because they integrate all routes of exposure, serve as sentinels for human health, and are important in the ocean ecosystem. It studies the accumulation of these agents in whales and their environment and considers their impact on DNA in cultured whale and human cells. Initial data indicate high levels of chromium and nickel in both the whales and oil-related materials collected from the crisis. When complete, it will provide insight into the toxic effects of these agents in offshore waters.