Statement by Toxicologist Dr. William Sawyer for team of independent lawyers representing LEAN and United Commercial Fisherman’s Association:
“Yesterday, we confirmed a recent evaluation done by the Louisiana Environmental Action Network (LEAN) of the Environmental Protection Agency’s results of air content and quality testing, showing that the level of some airborne toxins is greater than 100 times the quantity considered safe to humans and could cause physical reactions.
“Mysteriously overnight, EPA withdrew some of these figures and said they had made an error. However, after EPA reevaluated the data the highest reading for hydrogen sulfide, which was 1,192 parts per billion on May 3, remained unchanged. It should also be noted that the levels for volatile organic compounds were not disputed.
“There is an obvious significant threat not only to the environment and economy, but also to public health for those downwind of the oil slick. It is imperative that BP and the federal government immediately release to the public all information that they have as it effects human health.
“Immediate precautions and continuous monitoring is essential.
“Since weather patterns indicate that sustained winds will blow from the Gulf into southeast Louisiana over the next few days, action must happen quickly. State and federal health officials need the ability to act quickly and with accuracy.”
Dr. Sawyer is Chief Toxicologist for Toxicology Consultants & Assessment
Specialists, LLC. Sanibel, FL. As a toxicologist with board certifications in forensic medicine and forensic examiner, he routinely provides impartial toxicological evaluations involving chemical exposures, alcohol ingestion, intentional poisons involved in homicides, carcinogens, pharmaceuticals, pyrolysis products, heavy metals, organic chemicals and drugs of abuse in civil and criminal litigation. His curricula vitae is available at www.gulfoildisasterrecovery.com
