Question: What are the health effects of red tides and other harmful algae blooms?
Answer: Most people who become ill from exposure to the natural toxins in harmful algae have eaten contaminated seafood, particularly shellfish, although toxins from some harmful algae are released into the air.
The most common human health problems associated with red tides and other harmful algae blooms are various types of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and neurological disorders. The natural toxins in harmful algae can cause several different illnesses. Most develop rapidly after exposure occurs and are characterized by severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and many others. Most people recover within a few days, but some illnesses linked to harmful algae blooms can be fatal.
For more information about specific illnesses and their causes, symptoms and treatments, see Human Illness Associated with Harmful Algae.
Red Tides FAQ Index:
- What are red tides and other harmful algae blooms?
- What causes red tides and other harmful algae blooms?
- How do red tides and other harmful algae blooms affect fish and shellfish?
- How do red tides and other harmful algae blooms affect birds and marine mammals?
- How do red tides and other harmful algae blooms affect human health?
- What are the economic impacts of red tides and other harmful algae blooms?