The Exxon Valdez oil spill was more than an account of disaster-related psychosocial impacts. Numerous studies have found social support to mediate the association between traumatic events and psychiatric disorders. It is also possible that the psychiatric disorders experienced by victims of the Exxon Valdez oil spill contributed to the disruption of social relations. Studies of the Exxon Valdez oil spill suggested that individuals involved in cleanup activities were subjected to similar forms of stress for a number of reasons. The experience of the Exxon Valdez oil spill suggests that individuals living in communities impacted by technological disasters might benefit from interventions and programs in three specific areas: mental health services, postdisaster cleanup and recovery, and disaster-related litigation. The spill resulted in increased levels of alcohol and drug abuse, social conflict, disturbances in behavior of children, and a decline in perceived quality of life.