When I was in organic chemistry class at University of Florida, I will never forget my professor saying that he always gets gas at those stations with the suction device attached to the pump nozzle, and he goes around to the front of the vehicle upwind while fueling to avoid the fumes. Now crude oil coming out of the ground is not refined like gasoline, but there are still volatile hydrocarbons some of which have been known to cause cancer. So if you plan on volunteering on any cleanup crews, make sure to wear a respirator and other protective equipment. Makes you wonder though if you can smell the oil, does it have a negative long-term affect on your health?
http://www.countercurrents.org/galen100510.htm