Louisiana Environmental Action Network

Gulf "People Helping People" is a fundraising initiative of the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN), a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization to support Gulf citizens impacted by the BP Gulf Oil Disaster. Proceeds will go directly to those most in need including fisherfolk, oil spill clean-up workers and residents who's livelihoods and families are suffering from either poor health and/or dire economic hardships. This effort has, and will continue to, assist Gulf oil spill workers, fisherfolk, and coastal residents with transportation and housing to enable them to attend important hearings and meetings, gather their testimonials and supported their participation in the free Gulf Detox Project (including transportation, housing, food and other necessities).

A team of three scientific divers found high levels of ethyl benzene and xylene in their blood after completing 15-20, -dives of approximately 30 minutes, while wearing full wet suits. The diving was done over the summer and early fall of 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico Main Pass, Mississippi Canyon and Grand Isle areas. EcoRigs is a small, self-funded Non-profit Corporation that studies the marine life on offshore platforms. Initially, we were told it was safe to dive offshore but about the end of July, one of us started to show unusual symptoms and quit diving by mid-August. Then another member became sick in late September and we all stopped diving. Our last dive was October 12th 2010. Collectively, our symptoms included blood in our stool, bleeding from the nose and eyes, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps and dizziness and confusion. The symptoms did not appear all at once but were intermittent and were not compounded but occurred independently. They started in July and will continue, I fear, into the future. Corexit and ethyl benzene attack the hemoglobin in the red blood cells and causes ruptures in the blood cell lining.

Evaluation of the Results of Whole Blood Volatile Solvents Testing
By Wilma Subra
Subra Company
for the
Louisiana Environmental Action Network

Evaluation of the Results of Whole Blood Volatile Solvents Testing

Samples of blood were collected on December 16, 2010, from four males, age 3, 36, 42 and 43, and one female, age 38.  The individuals tested  were a diver who came in contact with the BP spill chemicals, individuals who visited the coastal communities and wetlands, documenting the impacts of the BP spill, and individuals exposed along the beaches.   The whole blood samples were analyzed for Volatile Solvents by Method 0762, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, by Metametrix Clinical Laboratory in Duluth, Georgia

The Louisiana Environmental Action Network released the following evaluation on November 26th 2010

Evaluation of the Results of Whole Blood Volatile Solvents Testing
By Wilma Subra and Marylee Orr
Louisiana Environmental Action Network - Baton Rouge, LA

The Louisiana Environmental Action Network released the following evaluation on November 26th 2010

Evaluation of the Results of Whole Blood Volatile Solvents Testing 
By Wilma Subra and Marylee Orr
Louisiana Environmental Action Network - Baton Rouge, LA

A whole blood sample was collected from a 47 year old male on November 8, 2010.  The blood sample was analyzed for Volatile Solvents by Method 0762 , by Metametrix Clinical Laboratory in Pensacola, Florida.

Report By: Wilma Subra