EPA to test air in homes near Montana oil spill

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OIL_SPILL_YELLOWSTONE_RIVER?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-07-07-15-00-43

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it will collect indoor air samples from homes downstream of a Yellowstone River oil spill after residents raised concerns about health risks from the tens of thousands of gallons of crude that poured into the watercourse.

About 150 people showed up at an EPA meeting Wednesday night with questions about health risks, the duration of the cleanup, and whether the oil will permanently damage their livestock or property.

George Nilson, 69, said the fumes from oil that washed through his neighbor's property had been overwhelming.

"I've been in it for five days now, and the only way I can breathe is to have all the windows open," he said.

[gateley]

1. Schweitzer will probably be right there with them verifying

the results!

[hedgehog]

2. With all sympathy for those directly involved in this spill, but is there

anything in the air that road crews laying asphalt don't encounter every day? What about people working around a gas station, with each customer releasing gasoline vapors and/or spilling a few drops? What about those who work at or live near airports, major highways and truck terminals?