Many pollutants found in Gulf of Mexico waters have the potential to produce acute and chronic human health effects. Whether these pollutants pose human health risks depends upon the specific characteristics of the pollutants (e.g. whether they biodegrade or are persistent), as well as their potential to reach and thereby cause adverse impacts in humans. Humans can be exposed to potentially hazardous contaminants in the Gulf of Mexico through two principal pathways-indirectly through consumption of fish and shellfish, and directly from contact with water and aerosols. Consumption of contaminated seafood can be a significant route of exposure to toxic organic chemicals and metals because these substances are able to persist and accumulate in fish and shellfish. Exposure to toxic constituents from water contact is generally considered to be less significant, except near storm drains, industrial discharges, and sewage overflow points.

Cover title. "September 1993." "EPA/800-K-93-001." NTIS report no.: PB93-223428. Running title: Gulf of Mexico public health action agenda. Includes bibliographical references (pages 88-90).