There's no doubt that the giant oil well that's leaking in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico is causing major environmental damage, and many people are already questioning whether seafood from that region is unsafe to eat. Now I hear that the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) is concerned about the respiratory health of people in the Gulf Coast area.
According to ACAAI, the oil washing ashore—as well as the chemicals being used to break up the oil that's accumulating—could be hazardous to the health of people who suffer from conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The advice, for now, is a simple word of caution: If you live in an area where oil is washing up, try to stay indoors as much as possible. And if you notice any unusual coughing or wheezing, contact your doctor right away.
Need to find an asthma specialist? You can find one in your area (even if you don't live anywhere near the oil spill) at AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org
—Barbara Brody, Health Editor