Lake Erie Toxic Algae Research Explores Health Risks

Scientists investigate the impact of airborne algae toxins on human health as blooms become more frequent.

Researchers at the University of Toledo are studying the health effects of microcystin, a toxin from Lake Erie's harmful algal blooms.
The focus is on how these toxins exacerbate conditions like asthma, liver, gut, and lung diseases.
Initial lab experiments show significant inflammation in lung cells exposed to aerosolized microcystin.
Air monitoring near Lake Erie aims to determine if these toxins become airborne during algal blooms.
A five-year study involving 200 participants will assess the long-term health impacts of exposure to algal blooms.