Polansky, L. Y., Marine Policy Center, Woods Ho, Woods Hole, USA, lara.polansky@gmail.com

DETERMINING THE ROLE OF KARENIA BREVIS BLOOMS IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT RESPIRATORY DIAGNOSES ADMISSIONS IN SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), resulting from the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevis, are a growing public health concern. K. brevis blooms release potent brevetoxins into the ocean, which may become aerosolized under certain conditions. Studies suggest that humans exposed to aerosolized brevetoxins may experience both acute and chronic respiratory illnesses. In contrast to previous studies, we assess the relationship between HAB cell counts and respiratory-related emergency department (ED) visits, while controlling for other environmental factors that may pose respiratory illness risks or influence brevetoxin aerosol transport. We test the hypothesis that HAB cell counts explain respiratory-related ED visits to Sarasota Memorial Hospital. We find that respiratory-related ED visits are influenced by HAB cells, mold, and airborne particulates. Importantly, our results suggest a one-week lag between the peak cell count and the release, transport, and toxigenic effect of brevetoxins. Ceteris paribus, we predict an additional 16 ED visits in the week succeeding an average-size K. brevis bloom of 1x106 HAB cells/liter. This work contributes to a broader project to estimate the economic impacts resulting from varying intensities of K. brevis blooms.

Poster presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:120
Date: 03-03-2008
Time: 17:30 - 19:30