Background: We systematically reviewed the literature’s existing knowledge on crude oil spills and the respiratory health (RH) outcomes of clean-up workers. Methods: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases to systematically review studies of crude oil spills and RH outcomes of clean-up workers published from 1 January 2001 to 30 June 2022. We excluded in vitro, animal, and household studies. Results: We identified 20 articles assessing the relationship between crude oil spills and RH outcomes of clean-up workers. Most studies were prospective and analytical, and fewer studies were cross-sectional studies. Most articles showed short- and long-term RH effects, with two articles refuting the adverse long-term RH effects and five articles showing no significant differences. Less than 50% of the articles assessed RH using spirometry. Studies on some independent oil spills (Hebei Spirit) were limited. Conclusion: There is a high level of exposure to crude oil spills by clean-up workers, which is associated with adverse RH effects. Integrated efforts are needed to curb the menace of oil spills, thereby reducing the adverse RH effects among this vulnerable population.

BACKGROUND: Clean-up workers are affected worldwide by the negative effects of crude oil spills on their health. However, the global data with respect to the consequences of crude oil spillage on the respiratory health (RH) of this vulnerable group is still not adequate. We systematically reviewed the literature’s existing knowledge on global crude oil spills and the RH outcomes of this vulnerable population (the clean-up workers or oil spill responders). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Science Direct databases to identify and systematically review studies of crude oil spills and RH outcomes of clean-up workers published from January 01, 2001, up to June 30, 2022. We excluded in-vitro, animal, and household exposure studies. RESULTS: We identified 20 articles that assessed the relationship between crude oil spills and RH outcomes of clean-up workers. Most of the studies that addressed the association between crude oil spills and RH outcomes among clean-up workers were prospective and analytical studies, and fewer studies were cross-sectional studies. Most of the articles showed that the RH of clean-up workers is adversely affected both on a short-term and long-term basis with two articles refuting the adverse long-term RH effects of a crude oil spill and one article showing no difference between exposure to crude oil spills and lung parameters of clean-up workers. Less than 50% of the articles reviewed used a spirometry test to assess the RH of clean-up workers. There are also limited studies showing the association between some independent crude oil spills and the RH outcomes of crude oil spill responders like the Hebei Spirit oil spill. CONCLUSION: There is a high level of exposure to crude oil spills by clean-up workers and this exposure is associated with adverse respiratory health effects. Integrated efforts are needed to curb this menace, thereby reducing crude oil spills to the barest minimum and by extension reducing the adverse respiratory health effects associated with it among this vulnerable population.

Introduction: Under-five years old (U5) children that reside in oil spill communities are exposed to various pollutants, and therefore are prone to respiratory symptoms and diseases. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of U5 children residing in these communities. Methods: The study was done in August, 2022 , on eleven caregivers/parents of U5 children, aged 26-45 years old via purposive sampling. This study utilized a phenomenological research design through in-depth interviews and audio recordings. Results: Findings revealed that numerous oil spills have occurred, and are still occurring. According to the respondents, these spills are caused majorly by poor maintenance of old, rusted pipelines of oil companies; and pipeline vandalism, leading to land, water and air pollution. Results also showed that these spills have led to several adverse respiratory health (RH) experiences in U5, including cough, catarrh, chest pain and other health emergencies that have resulted in frequent hospital visitations and admissions like difficulty/fast breathing, pneumonia, hemoptysis, exacerbation of previously existing conditions, asthma development, etc. The destruction of their source of livelihood, have contributed to worsening these symptoms. Conclusion: U5 children living in crude oil polluted areas are burdened with a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases. Implementation of already existing regulatory laws on oil pollution, prompt clean-up of oil spills, provision of standard health facilities, and trained health personnels, were some of the measures recommended to curb the menace of crude oil spills and its RH effects.