Inland residents were more likely than coastal residents to be severe asthmatics and had more reported symptoms and decreased respiratory function after toxin exposure. Researchers further evaluated subpopulations based on area of residence and the use of asthma medication within 12 hours prior to the study.

In contrast, no significant differences were observed between pre- and post- beach symptoms or spirometry during nonexposure periods. During exposure periods, participants reported a significant increase in symptoms, predominantly chest tightness, and differences were measured objectively on lung function testing. Throughout exposure and nonexposure periods, researchers collected water and air samples and monitored air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and direction.ĭuring active K brevis bloom exposure periods, significant differences were found for all participants between pre- and post- beach report of symptoms and pre- and post- spirometry. Each participant also carried a personal air monitor while at the beach. Detailed baseline information was collected, and all participants underwent pre- and post-beach evaluations, including medical history questionnaires, nasal swab sampling, and lung function testing (spirometry). Participants, who were all residents of Sarasota, FL, spent at least one hour at Sarasota's Siesta Beach during active K brevis bloom (exposure period) and during a period when there was no bloom (nonexposure period). Fleming and a team of researchers from seven academic, environmental, and government institutions evaluated the exposures and effects of aerosolized Florida red tide brevetoxins in 97 subjects with asthma. Respiratory problems and decreased lung function after just one hourĭr. Impact on patients with asthma, who experienced significant “Our study shows that Florida red tide toxins may have a greater Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miami, FL. However, these symptoms usually subside after leaving beachĪreas,' said study author Lora E. Lead to eye irritation, rhinorrhea, nonproductive cough, and 'In the normal population, inhaled aerosolized red tide toxins can New research reported in the January issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), shows that Florida red tide toxins (known as brevetoxins) can impact respiratory function and increase respiratory symptoms in patients with asthma. Florida red tides, an annual event in areas along the Gulf of Mexico, are blooms of the ocean organism, Karenia brevis (K brevis), that are concentrated along shorelines and produce highly potent aerosolized toxins. The ecological phenomenon, known as Florida red tide, can be harmful for people with asthma.

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