Warm and calm waters, surface runoff into oceans, high sunlight intensities as well as low salt concentrations are also conducive for algal growth. When conditions are favorable, dinoflagellates and diatoms multiply rapidly to form harmful algal blooms (HABS) that color the oceans red, giving rise to the term ‘red tides’-a misnomer because these algae also come in hues of green, yellow and brown, depending on the color of the pigments in the cells.Īn increase in dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus-essential nutrients for algal growth-can encourage phytoplankton to grow out of control. However, a dark side lies beneath their beauty. Like their dinoflagellate cousins, diatoms are encased in geometrically-intricate silica cell walls, called frustules, captivating scientists and artists alike. Many dinoflagellates also produce light on their own and put on breathtaking bioluminescent light shows, bursting into flashes of neon blue light when disturbed by sudden movements in the water. They are important primary producers in coastal water ecosystems, synthesizing organic compounds from carbon dioxide using sunlight.ĭinoflagellate cells are enclosed in an intricate covering consisting of armor-like plates known as theca. The perpetrators at the center of the plot are tiny phytoplankton no bigger than a few micrometers in size, known as dinoflagellates and diatoms.ĭinoflagellates and diatoms are among the most common phytoplankton in the ocean. All have indulged in the fresh catches of the day-cockles and mussels.Ī microscope is required for the investigation into these bizarre events. Three have died and over forty are critically ill. Meanwhile, in Malaysia, several people afflicted with food poisoning symptoms have been admitted to hospital. In coastal fish farms across Asia, farmers encounter the macabre sight of tons of dead fish floating belly up in their pens. On a beach in Singapore, thousands of dead fish of all shapes and sizes are strewn along the shoreline, along with other exotic marine creatures like cuttlefish, and even a sea snake. Beachgoers in Hong Kong setting out to enjoy the sun, sand and surf are instead greeted by a sea which has turned a sinister shade of red. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your lung health.įor more information about lung health, visit /asthma.AsianScientist (July 14, 2017) – They are scenes of mystery, death and destruction.Respiratory irritation (coughing, sneezing).Be aware of any symptoms that may arise, including: People may develop health problems during red tide, even if they’ve never had them before. Medications: During times of red tide, make sure you continue taking your regular medications and keep your quick relief or “rescue” inhaler with you at all times in case of symptoms.If you don’t have one yet, learn more about Asthma Action Plans to get started today at /Asthma. Action Plans: If you have asthma, review your asthma action plan with your physician and your family.Additionally, keep your doors and windows shut to prevent the toxic fumes from entering your house. Don’t Exercise Outside: If you have a lung condition or are impacted by red tide, and live near the beach, do not exercise outside when the red tide is present.If you think you are sensitive to this toxin, avoid or limit your time exposed to these areas. Avoid Red Tide Areas: Swimming in water experiencing red tide or breathing in tiny droplets in the air that contain toxins can negatively impact your lung health.The American Lung Association in Florida recommends the following tips for Florida residents who live near the areas with red tide: This can impact anyone and worsen symptoms in people living with lung diseases like asthma. Red tide produces toxic chemicals that can impact marine life, but also causes respiratory irritation. ![]() Red tide is the nickname for a harmful algal bloom that comes from a high concentration of a microscopic alga. The American Lung Association in Florida is offering tips for residents to protect their lung health when the harmful algal blooms are high. The red tide on the Gulf Coast of Florida doesn’t just affect marine life, it can impact your lung health.
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