Recreational exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins during Florida red tide events

Characterization of red tide aerosol on the Texas coast

“…Red tides along the Texas coast are much less frequent. A previous study of recreational exposure to airborne PbTxs in Florida (Backer et al, 2003) showed that airborne concentrations between 36-80 ng m -3 correlated to increased reports of both upper respiratory symptoms (eye irritation, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and cough) and lower respiratory symptoms (chest tightness, wheezing, and a shortness of breath). In this study, much lower airborne PbTx concentrations between 1.6-6.7 ng m -3 were reported, along with a few reports of upper respiratory symptoms (throat irritation, nasal irritation, and itchy skin) and no reports of lower respiratory symptoms.…”

“…Environmental aerosol samples collected during red tides in Florida and North Carolina in 1987 (Pierce et al, 1989;1990) showed high concentrations of three brevetoxins (PbTx-2, -3, and -5), but measurements of particle size for the red tide aerosol were not reported. During two red tide events in 1999, PbTx levels in air and seawater were measured while conducting personal interviews and pulmonary function tests on people before and after visiting Florida beaches (Backer et al, 2003). During moderate and high exposure periods, 36 ng/m 3 and 80 ng/m 3 , respectively, of PbTx were detected in the air.…”

Cochlear function in mice following inhalation of brevetoxin-3

“…Specifically, non-significant changes in DPOAE levels were observed in mice exposed to brevetoxin-3 concentrations that were orders of magnitude greater than those typically encountered on a Florida beach affected by red tide (Backer et al 2003). In fact, after 2 h of exposure to brevetoxin-3, DPOAE levels were slightly, but not significantly enhanced, especially for the lowest and the highest test frequencies.…”

“…Although the biochemical and neurophysiologic actions of the brevetoxins in regard to neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP) are well documented (Baden 1989), little is known of the human health effects from environmental exposures that occur when brevetoxins are aerosolized by the wind and surf, as occurs during onshore winds. Concentrations of marine aerosols of brevetoxins-2 and 3 on affected beaches have been reported in the range of 10-100 ng/m 3 (Backer et al 2003;Pierce et al 2003). Recently, Backer et al (2003) documented respiratory-tract symptoms associated with recreational exposures to brevetoxins during a typical red tide.…”

“…Concentrations of marine aerosols of brevetoxins-2 and 3 on affected beaches have been reported in the range of 10-100 ng/m 3 (Backer et al 2003;Pierce et al 2003). Recently, Backer et al (2003) documented respiratory-tract symptoms associated with recreational exposures to brevetoxins during a typical red tide. Specifically, significant increases in eye and throat irritations, coughing, and chest tightness were reported by individuals exposed to <10-36 ng brevetoxin/m 3 .…”