Red algae is used to help fight cancer, asthma, and several diseases, including herpes. However, red algae can become harmful when its amount in the ocean is so plentiful that it becomes a red tide. This tide is a harmful algal bloom, or HAB, that is so abundant it discolors the ocean's coast. HABs deplete oxygen and release toxins in the ocean that can cause illness and/or death to animals and humans. The toxins become concentrated and reach poisonous levels which are dangerous to humans and animals that have eaten fish contaminated by the algae.
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning is found in soft-shell clams and blue mussels that have ingested certain types of toxic algae. The poison has neurological effects on humans who have ingested the clams or mussels. Common neurological symptoms of ASP are disorientation, dizziness and memory loss. ASP is most commonly found in people along the eastern coast of Canada.
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning occurs in people who have eaten shellfish that have consumed toxic red algae. PSP is caused by saxitoxin, which blocks sodium ion movement to nerve and muscle cell membranes. PSP disrupts nerve function resulting in tingling, numbness, paralysis and, in extreme cases, death. PSP is commonly found in people along both coasts of the U.S.
Ciguatera Fish Poisoning
Ciguatera fish poisoning is caused by eating fish that have ingested toxins found in HABs. Symptoms of Ciguatera are nausea, vomiting, and neurological symptoms such as tingling toes and fingers. CFP symptoms usually dissipate after a few weeks but have been know to last for years.
Neurological Shellfish Poisoning
In humans, neurological shellfish poising is caused by brevetoxins. Brevetoxins are airborne toxins that can cause individuals along the coast to have an allergic reaction such as sneezing, running nose, difficulty breathing and coughing. People who eat NSP-poisoned shellfish may develop myalgia, vertigo, tremors and gastroenteritis.
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