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Public Outreach Materials Regarding Harmful Algal Blooms and Their Possible Effects on Human Health
Author(s) -
Kirkpatrick B.,
Fleming L. E.,
Stephan W. B.,
Backer L.,
Clark R.,
Squicciarini D.,
Weisman R.,
Van De Bogart G.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of phycology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.85
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1529-8817
pISSN - 0022-3646
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8817.38.s1.55.x
Subject(s) - outreach , public health , algal bloom , biology , recreation , environmental health , human health , marine toxin , environmental planning , ecology , political science , medicine , geography , microbiology and biotechnology , phytoplankton , pathology , toxin , nutrient , law
The potential interactions between marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms (HABs) and humans are increasing. Humans are exposed through food, drinking water, and recreational and occupational water use to an increasing number of organisms and their toxins. Nevertheless, the amount of clinical and epidemiologic research concerning acute and chronic human health effects from the HAB organisms and their toxins is relatively sparse. At the same time, the public is increasingly aware of and interested in the potential dangers associated with exposure to HABs. Public health authorities and researchers must respond to these public health concerns. The development of appropriate educational and outreach materials based on limited scientific databases is the challenge of informing the public concerning the possible human health effects of HAB organisms and their toxins, and their prevention. Educational materials developed by a group of researchers and public health personnel for general HABs, Florida Red Tide Toxins (brevetoxins), Cyanobacteria, and Ciguatera are discussed, as well as methods for their dissemination.