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Seattle & King County
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Seattle, WA 98104
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| Avoid touching oil at contaminated beaches, Public Health advises |
| Thursday, October 14, 2004 |
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KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - An oil spill of unknown origin and type was reported to the Washington State Department of Ecology on October 14, 2004. The oil spill is generally in the area of Commencement Bay in Pierce County and in King County on Vashon/Maury Island. The oil slick may reach Federal Way and Des Moines. Public Health -- Seattle & King County is working with the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to post the nearshore and water areas of oiled beaches as closed on Vashon-Maury Island. Other beaches in southern coastal King County are being monitored.
Health precautions:
- Avoid contact with the oil.
- If you get oil on your skin, wash it with soap and water. Do not use solvents, kerosene or similar products to remove oil from your skin.
- Do not harvest shellfish from beaches contaminated by oil. Call the Washington State Department of Health Office of Food Safety and Shellfish Program at 360-236-3330.
- Do not burn debris (such as driftwood) contaminated by oil.
- Ingestion of (eating) oil may cause nausea and/or stomach ache.
- Inhalation of (breathing in) oil fumes may cause headache or dizziness.
- Skin contact with oil may cause a rash or other reaction.
- If you come into contact with the oil and experience symptoms, consult your health care provider.
- Keep pets out of oil and oily water. If pets get small amounts of oil on them, remove with mineral oil or bathe in the usual manner. If a pet becomes drenched in oil, contact your veterinarian for advice.
- Do not touch or attempt to capture oiled birds or other wildlife. To report oiled wildlife, contact the State Department of Fish and Wildlife: 1-800-22-BIRDS.
- If an oiled wildlife has already been captured, keep it warm and confined in a cardboard box. Do not feed. Call Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-22-BIRDS.
What to do if you see oil:
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