The BP oil spill off the coast of Louisiana is a devastating environmental disaster that is already looking like it will eclipse the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Many of BPs attempts to minimize the damage have already been a failure.

“They recovered 8 percent of the spilled Exxon Valdez oil," Jeffrey Short, Pacific science director for Washington, D.C. conservation organization Oceana told Livescience.com. "That is typical of these exercises when you have a large marine oil spill. You're doing really great if you [get] 20 percent."

In addition to the effect on the environment and the economy, there is a huge health risk to those living in the affected areas. Fisherman along the coast of LA have reported being able to smell the fumes from the water.

If you or someone you love is in an affected area, protect yourself by taking the following measures:

• Close all windows and stay inside as much as possible


• Use air purifiers in any space where you spend a significant amount of time. You will need one that filters out Volatile Organic Compounds such as the Austin Healthmate Plus, an Allerair Vocarb model.


• If you spend a lot of time in a boat or car consider getting a portable air purifier. The Amaircaire Roomaid as an auto adapter kit and a VOC filter (must be purchased separately.)


• For time spent outdoors wear a mask such as the Respro Techno Mask or the 3M 8293 Mask which is just for oil based particulates.

This oil spill’s impact will be felt for many years to come. Please call us with any questions about how to protect yourself or your loved ones from this devastating disaster.