The summer
heat is on in Texas and that is driving many people to lakes, rivers, and beaches.
There have been recent reports throughout Texas of harmful algal blooms (HABs)
also known as “red tide”, that in recent years have become an increased health
concern.
What are
HABs?
For
starters, algae are known as a nonflowering plant that lives in water. Most types
of algae are harmless. HABs are formed by microscopic algae. Algae can
sometimes have an overgrowth in areas, which is usually due in part to
increased amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Unfortunately,
it seems humans are contributing to this issue. An example of how humans might have
contributed to this is by fertilizer running off into nearby water coming from
farm fields close by. It might not seem like it has the potential to cause a
big problem, but when algae take in these rich nutrients, they can start to
grow at alarming rates. When they grow, they turn the water various colors of
red (hence, the term “red tide”), brown, yellow, and/or green. It can also
create an icky film on the top of the water. If you are out and about at a
lake, river, or beach this summer and fall, you might notice the algae in the
water. These blooms are most often found in the summer or fall seasons.
Why are
they dangerous?
Algal blooms
consume oxygen and block sunlight that other marine life and organisms live off.
They also produce a toxin that is harmful and can kill fish, other marine
animals, and in worst-case scenarios, even people. These toxins are known to
accumulate in muscles, clams, scallops, and even oysters. People can become ill
when they eat these toxic shellfish.
Symptoms
of Algal Bloom Ingestion
· Numbness and tingling of the face,
hands, and feet
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Diarrhea
If you think
you have consumed toxic shellfish, please do not hesitate to contact the Texas
Poison Center Network. We are available
24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
Additionally,
HAB’s can also lead to ciguatera fish poisoning which occurs after the fish are
exposed to these same toxins. Luckily, these are usually only found around the
Caribbean and Pacific Islands. There is still a risk that you might eat
contaminated fish from those regions without knowing it. Symptoms are similar
to ones from eating the contaminated shellfish. However, one of the defining
symptoms of ciguatera poisoning is sensory reversal, in which cold things feel
hot and hot things feel cold. While most individuals will recover without any
treatment, the symptoms could last weeks. The most common fish to be poisoned
with HABs include hogfish, barracuda, and king mackerel. This is due largely in
part because these fish are larger in size and tend to eat smaller fish that
have consumed HABs.
Can You
Swim in Water with HABs?
Water
contaminated with HABs can cause a rash, itching, skin irritation, and nose,
eye, and throat irritation. If you have asthma, it can cause you even further
discomfort, especially if you accidentally inhale the contaminated water. Even
swallowing the water can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
How do I
prevent HABs Poisoning?
Follow these
steps to help eliminate your potential for encountering HABs.
· Always avoid any contact with water
that might be discolored or have a scum or film floating on the top of the
water.
· Try to avoid any activities, like
playing, swimming, or boating, in water that looks contaminated by HABs.
· If you see discolored water or view
algal scum, please do not fish in these waters.
· Try not to swallow or drink water that
is not treated. These include lakes, streams, and/or rivers.
· Same steps apply to your pets!
If you do
find yourself in contact with HABs, wash your hands with soap and water, then call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222
to speak with a poison specialist that can provide additional information.
