Association between spill-related exposure to fine particulate matter and peripheral motor and sensory nerve function among oil spill response and cleanup workers following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Background Burning/flaring of oil/gas during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) generated high concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ). Personnel working on the water during these activities may have inhaled combustion products. Neurologic effects of PM 2.5 have been reported previously but few studies have examined lasting effects following disaster exposures. The association of brief, high exposures and adverse effects on sensory and motor nerve function in the years following exposure have not been examined for OSRC workers. Objectives We assessed the relationship between exposure to burning/flaring-related PM 2.5 and measures of sensory and motor nerve function among OSRC workers. Methods PM 2.5 concentrations were estimated from Gaussian plume dispersion models and linked to self-reported work histories. Quantitative measures of sensory and motor nerve function were obtained 4–6 years after the disaster during a clinical exam restricted to those living close to two clinics in Mobile, AL or New Orleans, LA ( n = 3401). We obtained covariate data from a baseline enrollment survey and a home visit, both in 2011–2013. The analytic sample included 1186 participants. Results We did not find strong evidence of associations between exposure to PM 2.5 and sensory or motor nerve function, although there was a suggestion of impairment based on single leg stance among individuals with high exposure to PM 2.5 . Results were generally consistent whether we examined average or cumulative maximum exposures or removed individuals with the highest crude oil exposures to account for co-pollutant confounding. There was no evidence of exposure-response trends. Impact statement Remediating environmental disasters is essential for long-term human and environmental health. During the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, burning and flaring of oil and gas were used to remove these pollutants from the environment, but led to potentially high fine particulate matter exposures for spill response workers working on the water. We investigate the potential adverse effects of these exposures on peripheral nerve function; understanding the potential health harm of remediation tactics is necessary to inform future clean up approaches and protect human health.