The explosion of the Deepwater Horizon on April 2010 and the consequent Gulf Oil Spill has raised many public health questions. Will the oil make me sick? What could be in the air? Is the seafood that gets to market safe? Is it safe to go to the beach? In order to assess the public health effects, it's important to understand the components and characteristics of oil. This course will provide information about crude oil, weathered oil, and dispersants. Public health aspects related to exposure to air contaminants, seafood, beach advisories, and worker safety will also be discussed.