Information for Health Professionals
Clinical advice: Exposure to oil spill
Toxinz does not provide specific information on the toxicity of exposure to the type of oil washing ashore but reviewing broader literature and the components individually as listed in Toxinz the following is relevant:
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Symptoms can be related to skin and eye exposure with usually rashes but rarely burns.
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Copious irrigation with water to eyes and skin (and soap for skin) to clean off the oil is recommended.
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Significant eye involvement or persistent symptoms requires review in ED with ophthalmological follow up.
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Skin requires symptomatic treatment unless chemical burn is suspected in which case following medical review by GP or ED a referral to a burns specialist is required for follow up. (This is an unlikely scenario with this spill.)
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Ingestion generally causes little or mild GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea) in which case observation by a responsible adult at home is all that is required. If symptoms severe then will require medical review by GP or ED and supportive treatment.
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Respiratory symptoms require ED review and supportive measures.
In the absence of the above it is unlikely there would be neurological, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic or metabolic issues but prolonged exposure or occasionally acute exposure can cause headaches, drowsiness and / or convulsions in which case medical attention should be immediately sought from the local emergency department.
In the context of the current spill the most likely problems encountered will be the skin and GI problems.
Doctors managing exposures should review the Toxinz sections on Hydrocarbons (Heavy, Grease) and Aromatic Hydrocarbon solvents when dealing with such patients.
Notification
Please note that 'poisoning resulting from chemical contamination of the environment' is notifiable to the Medical Officer of Health under the Health Act, and 'any injury caused by a hazardous substance' is notifiable to the Medical Officer of Health under the HSNO Act. Please notify these in the usual way by either phoning 0800 221 555 or complete and fax the notification form to 0800 668 934.
Advice for Pharmacy
Should members of the public consult with minor symptoms related to exposure to the MV Rena oil spill.
Minor skin irritation or local allergic rash:
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Ensure that the skin has been thoroughly washed with soap and water
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Simple moisturising lotion can be recommended for irritation or antihistamine cream if localised allergic rash
Advise that if the rash/irritation does not settle, the client should see their GP.
If skin irritation/rash is extensive or if there is eye involvement, please advise the person to see their GP.
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