Gulf Stories: Oil, Chemicals, Illness

Even as BP is winding down clean-up efforts, and the government is moving to expand oil drilling, fishermen and oil workers across the Gulf are just beginning to show the extent of strange symptoms – symptoms of  illnesses that many assert are oil-induced.

In disturbing new videos, former commercial bait fisherman Joey Yerkes and others  discuss their experiences with the oil spill and sicknesses they believe they are experiencing as a result. Hear stories from Joey and others involved in Gulf fishing and the BP Vessels of Opportunity (VOO) clean-up program here (part 1) and here (part 2).

Public health is a priority in the Gulf Future Action Plan, which calls for accessible health care provided at the local level by experts who understand chemical exposure issues; education for health care providers on oil-spill related health impacts; and accurate tracking of impacts by government and communities. After watching these videos it’s hard not to join their call for action.