In what’s becoming a seasonal trend, Southwest Florida has again been experiencing Florida red tide conditions. While not as intense as the red tides of 2017, beaches and coastal communities have received regular warnings associated with this environmental phenomenon since September.The Florida Poison Information Center–Miami, which serves Collier and Lee counties, is receiving calls from parents concerned about the effects of red tide on their children. Below are a few of the questions we receive during red tides:
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Q: There have been reports of red tide in Southwest Florida again. Is this type of algae outbreak a danger to children?
A: The organism responsible for Florida red tide, the microalgae Karenia brevis, occasionally goes through explosive growth periods known as “blooms.” During these blooms, the algae cells die, break apart and release breve toxins into the water and air. On days with an onshore breeze, these toxins can irritate kids’ eyes, noses and will likely worsen asthma symptoms. Children with other lung conditions may also experience more serious symptoms during red tides. It is still unknown if there are long-term effects from exposure to these toxins.
Q: What symptoms does it cause?
A: The most common symptoms reported to poison centers related to red tide are eye and throat irritation, sneezing and coughing. Some people report skin rash, nausea or even vomiting if they’ve been swimming in an area with an active bloom. People with sensitive or highly reactive lungs may experience shortness of breath. In these cases,we recommend moving to a well air-conditioned area, and to seek emergency care if the sensation does not quickly resolve.
Q: What can families do to protect their children’s health? Does that differ between healthy kids and children with asthma or other similar conditions?
A: It’s important to know which areas are impacted by red tide before making decisions about travel to the beach or outdoor activities. Updated conditions can be found by visiting myfwc.com and searching for “red tide current status.” Staying in an air-conditioned home or car is best, particularly within a mile of the shore. For highly sensitive people who need to be outdoors, a well-fitting“N95” facemask may provide several hours of protection.Parents of children with asthma have reported that washing the child’s hair prior to bed minimizes overnight exposure from toxins transferred from their hair to the pillow. Caregivers may call poison control (1-800-222-1222) for other recommendations based on a child’s health history and symptoms.
Q: Are the precautions the same for other toxic algae outbreaks?
A: In Florida, we also have periodic freshwater blooms of blue-green algae, or “cyanobacteria.” It is critical that children (and pets) do not drink water from algae-filled canals or ponds. We know much less about the airborne effects of the multiple toxins given off by these organisms, but people close to high intensity blooms have also reported irritation and coughing.
Q: Can we eat the fish from waters where red tide has been reported?
A: It is safe to eat healthy, active fish caught in a red tide area, as well as fish served in restaurants. Do not eat(or allow pets to eat) fish that appear sickly or have been found on the shore. Shellfish beds will be closed by the Florida Department of Agriculture when a bloom is detected, since toxins can accumulate in filter feeders such as clams and oysters.
Many important questions remain about the health effects of red tide, both in children and adults. Research is underway to help us make better recommendations and to help public authorities mitigate blooms’ effects.In the meantime, Florida’s poison control centers are available 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222 to answer your questions and assist with poisonings of all types. Calls to poison control are always free and confidential. More information is available on the Florida poison control center’s website, floridapoisoncontrol.org, and Facebook and Twitter feeds.
Wendy Stephan, who holds a doctorate in epidemiology and master’s degree in public health, is the health education coordinator at the Florida Poison Information Center – Miami.