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Human health effects associated with exposure to toxic Cyanobacteria – what is the evidence?
Citation:
Hilborn, E. Human health effects associated with exposure to toxic Cyanobacteria – what is the evidence? Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, Honolulu, Hawaii, February 26 - March 03, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
This summary of existing, published information on the human health effects of toxic cyanobacteria will be provided at the scientific conference of the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Crossing disciplinary boundaries across the freshwater-marine continuum to advance the understanding of harmful algal blooms (HABs) Session. This presentation is an opportunity to communicate issues related to cyanobacteria-associated effects to a multidisciplinary group of scientists who work with cyanobacteria and for Dr. Hilborn to learn from them. The topical summary is consistent with products listed under SSWR 4.01B.
Description:
Reports of toxic cyanobacteria blooms are increasing worldwide, as warming water and eutrophic surface water systems support the development of blooms. As awareness of toxic cyanobacteria blooms increases, reports of associated human and animal illnesses have also increased, but few reports are investigated and documented. We examine the evidence for adverse human health effects associated with exposure to toxic cyanobacteria via drinking water, freshwater and marine recreational waters and via medical procedures. We will discuss the range and severity of health effects associated with exposure and the state of the science of the epidemiology of toxic cyanobacteria. This is a description of a proposed presentation and does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.