A Systematic Review of the Respiratory Effects of Red Tide

Background: Algal blooms of Karena brevis produce brevetoxins that lead to the natural phenomenon of red tide. Beyond monitoring red tide concentration and forecasting future outbreaks, uncertainty exists in the field when examining these toxins in relation to physiological aspect of humans. Contaminated air quality resulting from outbreaks of Karena brevis leads to inhalation of aerosolized brevetoxins, directly impacting the human respiratory system. Methods: This systematic review focused on the respiratory effects of red tide and was conducted using a comparative method between two researchers. Relevant abstracts were collected, and full texted articles were reviewed with the use of PubMed, Science Direct, Cinahl Complete, and BioMed Central. Results: Thirty manuscripts were included in the final analysis and categorized by study design, location, number and age of participants, and respiratory effects. The research indicates respiratory health issues 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. Conclusions: Red tide is common in many areas of the world. The toxins released can cause respiratory compromise in humans. This manuscript provides for a comprehensive summary of scholarly research focused on the respiratory systema and red tide.