Louisiana Fishermen Helping in Spill Cleanup Report Getting Sick

Some Louisiana fishermen affected by the massive oil spill in the Gulf-including some hired by BP to help in the cleanup-are reporting cases of debilitating headaches, burning eyes and nausea, and some industry and public officials are pointing the finger at chemical dispersants as the cause.Gary Burris, a fisherman who works along the Gulf Coast, said he has observed planes spraying dispersants into the water, a chemical rain meant to stop oil slicks from forming and break down the crude more quickly.Now Burris says that after breathing in the dispersants he grew ill and disoriented, confining himself to bed for days and ultimately going to a doctor for treatment and antibiotics."It filled my lungs with fluid," he said."I'm hurting-I'm sore from coughing"...
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Picture Left:May 5: The crew of a Basler BT-67 fixed wing aircraft releases dispersant over an oil discharge off the shore of Louisiana.(US Coast Guard)