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Some red tides produce large quantities of toxins, such as saxitoxin, which disrupt the proper
function of ion channels in neurons. Domoic acid, causative of neurological damage in
certain marine mammals, is one toxin associated with red tides. The red tide toxins
can induce neurological damage and death in marine mammals
which feed on affected filter feeders. These include whales, seals, and otters. Red tide can
also increase fish mortality; they are also accumulated in the digestive tracts of filter feeders.
This bioaccumulation of toxins causes bivalves – like oysters and
clams – collected in areas affected by algal blooms to be
potentially dangerous for human consumption. Initial signs of
poisoning from this toxin is tingling in the lips followed by a
reduction of motor abilities and difficulty breathing and can be
fatal if consumed in sufficient amounts. If these symptoms occur after eating
shellfish, seek immediate medical treatment. Standard medical treatment is to give victims
oxygen, or to hook them up to a breather. There exists no antidote, and the idea is to keep the
person alive until the toxin has passed from the system.
There is more than one type of red tide, something that frequently goes unnoticed. For
example, the red tide that affects the Gulf Region produces, in addition to the toxins that
accumulate within filter feeders, an airborne vector that can cause difficulty breathing,
especially for those with preexisting conditions, whereas that which occurs in the Northeast
US has no airborne vector component. It should also be noted that red tide is far from being
entirely understood.