Environmental Activist Leads Forum on BP Oil Spill

In February, the New Orleans’ First Unitarian Universalist Church hosted a forum on BP oil spill-related issues. The forum was the result of evidence that federal agencies are failing to help Gulf Coast residents, cleanup workers and seafood consumers affected by the BP oil spill. Wilma Subra, an environmental scientist and activist, was the key speaker.

Since last April, Subra has worked with the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) to monitor the environmental and health impacts from the oil and the chemicals used to break up the slick. She warned that the impacts will last for generations, and that federal agencies will not speak to her because it is a criminal investigation.

Affected residents continue to experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, birth defects, respiratory and nervous system problems and damage to blood cells and reproductive systems from chemical exposure.

Subra told those in attendance that fishermen would not speak up out of fear of losing their jobs. Cleanup workers suffered the most intense exposure to the oil and toxins, but did not receive adequate training and equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), through a directive, told BP to provide proper cleanup gear. Still, workers did not always get the appropriate equipment.

Subra presented evidence that the oil has contaminated the wetlands, seafood and the blood of people who suffered exposure to the spill.

Dangerous pollutants can seriously injure innocent people. Contact a New Orleans injury lawyer if you or a loved one suffers exposure to harmful chemicals from a company or landowner. A New Orleans injury attorney can tell you your options for legal recovery.