Work

Marine Algal Toxins: Origins, Health Effects, and Their Increased Occurrence

Year: 2000

Type: article

Abstract: Certain marine algae produce potent toxins that impact human health through the consumption of contaminated shellfish and finfish and through water or aerosol exposure. Over the past three decades, the frequency and global distribution of toxic algal incidents appear to have increased, and human intoxications from novel algal sources have occurred. This increase is of particular concern, since it parallels recent evidence of large-scale ecologic disturbances that coincide with trends in global warming. The extent to which human activities have contributed to their increase therefore comes into question. This review summarizes the origins and health effects of marine algal toxins, as well as changes in their current global distribution, and examines possible causes for the recent increase in their occurrence.

Source: Environmental Health Perspectives

DOI: 10.1289/ehp.00108s1133

Author: F M Van Dolah

Institutions: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA National Ocean Service

Language: English

Topic: Marine Toxins and Detection Methods

Subfield: Environmental Chemistry

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $4,500