Let not the risks taken by the BP spill cleanup workers be ignored

Who is protecting the interests of the cleanup workers and Vessels of Opportunity volunteers in the BP Deepwater Horizon crisis? These men and women are being exposed to the potentially debilitating effects of the chemical dispersant Corexit 9500 in 110 degree heat indexes. What kind of protection does a paper hazmat suit offer against a chemical that warns to “avoid breathing vapor” and “wear protective clothing?” What about those workers who say they were intimidated by BP to not wear masks because the company did not want that image to appear on the news? Or BP claiming that what they really meant was that workers could pay for and supply their own masks if they want? Isn’t that like the military charging soldiers for IED protection? And what about the politicians and media protesting against the government’s delay in using the dispersant when literally hundreds of workers have complained of serious breathing problems, headaches, dizziness and nausea? Who knows if a charter boat captain’s suicide Wednesday was triggered by chemical exposure.

Retired Navy SEAL Richard “Rogue Warrior” Marcinko’s definition of SEALs as “cannon fodder” applies to the cleanup workers. As much as attorneys may be regarded by some as strictly businessmen, the reality is that experienced offshore attorneys may be the best friends of those afflicted with oil spill syndrome.