Seafood Contamination After the BP Gulf Oil Spill and Risks to Vulnerable Populations: A Critique of the FDA Risk Assessment

http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1289%2Fehp.1103695


Abstract 

Background: The BP oil spill of 2010 resulted in contamination of one of the most productive fisheries in the United States with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs, which can accumulate in seafood, are known carcinogens and developmental toxicants. In response to the oil spill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) developed risk criteria and established thresholds for allowable levels (Levels of Concern) of PAH contaminants in Gulf Coast seafood.

Objectives: We evaluate the degree to which FDA’s risk criteria adequately protect vulnerable Gulf Coast populations from cancer risk associated with PAHs in seafood.

Discussion: FDA’s Levels of Concern significantly underestimate risk from seafood contaminants among sensitive Gulf Coast populations by failing to: account for the increased vulnerability of the developing fetus and child; utilize appropriate seafood consumption rates; include all relevant health endpoints; and incorporate health protective estimates of exposure duration and acceptable risk. For benzo(a)pyrene and naphthalene, revised levels of concern are between 2-4 orders of magnitude below the level set by FDA. Comparison of measured levels of PAHs in Gulf seafood with the revised levels of concern, revealed that up to 53% of Gulf shrimp samples were above levels of concern for pregnant women who are high end seafood consumers.

Conclusions: FDA risk assessment methods should be updated to better reflect current risk assessment practices and to protect vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children.