Toxic Tides John Tibbetts Abstract
Since 1991, Pfiesteria piscicida outbreaks have raised public awareness about the threat of harmful algae, although attention has not been focused on other dangerous algae to anywhere near the same extent. In fact, Pfiesteria is often presented in the news as a freakish, unprecedented phenomenon, despite the fact that this organism is just one part of an international environmental health problem. Around the world, dozens of species of toxic algae are wreaking havoc on health care. The toxins from harmful algae accumulate in the tissues of shellfish, and are then ingested by humans. Upon eating the seafood, people can suffer gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, confusion, memory loss, and, in rare cases, death. What makes such toxins especially dangerous is that they are tasteless and colorless, and even cooking shellfish often won't destroy the toxins. Still, little information exists about the prevalence of marine seafood poisonings. Most cases either are not reported or are misdiagnosed, and health agencies lack data on chronic effects and vulnerable populations. What is known, however, is that harmful algae affect nearly all U.S. coastal states, and their numbers seem to be growing internationally. Their geographic distribution also appears to be spreading. In an attempt to curb the growing problem, federal-state government partnerships, research organizations, and congressional and international policy makers are beginning to focus their attention on dealing with toxic algae.
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