"U.S. Oil Spill Waters Contain Carcinogens: Report"

"University researchers said on Thursday they recently found alarming levels of cancer-causing toxins in an area of the Gulf of Mexico affected by BP's oil spill, raising the specter of long-lasting health concerns.

Oregon State University (OSU) researchers found sharply heightened levels of chemicals including carcinogens in the waters off the coast of Louisiana in August, the last sampling date, even after BP successfully capped its runaway Gulf well in mid-July.

Near Grand Isle, Louisiana, the team discovered that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) -- which include carcinogens and chemicals that pose various risks to human health -- remained at levels 40 times higher than before the area was affected by the oil spill.

The compounds may enter the food chain through organisms like plankton or fish, a researcher said."

Joshua Schneyer reports for Reuters September 30, 2010,

SEE ALSO:

"Gulf Oil Spill: Research Voyage To Search for Oil Can't Find Any" (Christian Science Monitor)

"NOAA: 'Stay Tuned' for Oil Information" (Baton Rouge Advocate)

"NOAA Says Sediment on Gulf Floor Not Visibly Oiled" (AP)