The sobering images of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are widely known: oil covered birds and sludge-choked coastal grasses. But ecosystems may not be the only ones to see negative effects...[O]fficials and experts are voicing concerns about possible human health consequences. Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals said this week it has had 71 reported cases of oil spill-related illness, 50 of which were workers on oil rigs or those involved in cleanup efforts. Eight of those workers have been hospitalized..."Oil contains benzene … arsenic and other heavy metals, all of which are classified as class one carcinogens to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer," said [Edward] Trapido [professor of cancer epidemiology at Louisiana State University School of Public Health]. [also refers to Exxon (now ExxonMobil)]