While prior studies have shown that toxins released from Red tide algae can cause health problem and that the brain can be affected by these toxins if they contaminated shellfish is consumed, we do not yet fully know how these toxins effect the brain if they are present in the air that we breathe.
People can also be exposed to these toxins in other ways: by swimming in or touching contaminated water, breathing in air near a red tide bloom, or drinking contaminated water.
For the sub-study, we want to follow participants once they no longer experience red tide. If you agree to take part, you may be randomly selected to join this sub-study. The goal of the sub study is to study how red tide toxins affect the body and brain by measuring toxin levels in biological samples.
Over a few days, you will spend time (up to 8 hours) outside near red tide blooms while wearing a personal air monitor. Biological samples and health surveys will be collected throughout the day to assess your exposure and symptoms.
For the next 3 days, additional samples and health surveys will be collected either at the clinic or your location. You’ll be asked to stay away from red tide areas.
If you contact our staff, they can provide more in-depth details about this aspect of participation in the study.