A Scoping Review of the Respiratory Effects of Red Tide

Algal blooms of Karenia brevis produce brevetoxins that lead to the natural phenomenon of red tide. Beyond monitoring the red tide concentration and forecasting future outbreaks, uncertainty exists in the field when examining these toxins in relation to the physiology of people. Contaminated air that results from outbreaks of K. brevis leads to inhalation of aerosolized brevetoxins, which directly impact the human respiratory system. This scoping review focused on the respiratory effects of red tide and was conducted by using a comparative method between 2 researchers. Relevant abstracts were collected, and full-text articles were reviewed by using PubMed, Science Direct, CINAHL Complete, and BioMed Central databases. Thirty articles were included in the final analysis and categorized by study design, location, and number and age of participants, and were also divided into assessment by respiratory effects, exposure, measurements of K. brevis, and asthma. The research indicates that respiratory health issues exist and can be compounded with exposure to red tide, specifically upper respiratory symptoms. Both symptomatic issues and pulmonary function tests were of concern when individuals were subjected to brevetoxin exposure. Even low levels of K. brevis resulted in negative respiratory health effects. Red tide is common in many areas of the world. The toxins released can cause adverse respiratory effects. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the scholarly literature focused on the respiratory system and red tide produced by K. brevis.