Gulf oil spill 'source of stress similar to Exxon Valdez'

Scientists have analysed the effect of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil industry spill and have found that the social and psychological impacts are similar to those seen in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez spill.

Liesel Ritchie, assistant director for research of the University of Colorado Boulder's Natural Hazards Center, Duane Gill of Oklahoma State University and J Steven Picou of the University of South Alabama carried out the research.

Previously each had conducted similar studies in Cordova after the Exxon Valdez spill.

They discovered that stress levels related to the event in south Mobile County are similar to those witnessed in Cordova.

Anxiety was affected by concerns over economic losses both in the present and in the future, as well as family health, the team explain.

"We can only conclude that social disruption and psychological stress will characterize residents of Gulf Coast communities for decades to come," comment the authors.

The disaster occurred one year ago today (April 20th) and was the largest ever US offshore spill, during which 11 workers lost their lives.