Algae are organisms that get their energy from the sun and live in aquatic and marine environments. Some types of algae are small, single-celled organisms. Different factors such as light, temperature, and available nutrient levels can trigger some types of algae to produce toxins. Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of toxin-producing algae in natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers. These toxins can cause serious harm to people, fish, and other parts of the ecosystem. In this podcast, hear more about the adverse impacts of toxins from harmful algal blooms on human health, ecosystems, and the economy. In addition, learn how scientists are exploring the use of toxins and other chemicals released by these algae to treat certain diseases.

Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health

This podcast series explores how environmental exposures affect our health. Each short episode highlights ways researchers work in partnership with community groups to understand and address environmental health issues.

Natural Sciences

Science & Medicine

Science

In this episode, Sappho Gilbert, a doctoral candidate at Yale University School of Public Health, discusses her NIEHS-funded project to better understand how climate change and other environmental factors are altering food security and nutrition among Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic.

Food Security, Nutrition, and Indigenous Health in the Arctic

In this episode, Kari Nadeau, M.D., Ph.D., talks about how climate change and air pollution affect children’s health. She also discusses what health care professionals, policy makers, and parents can do to better protect kids from climate change- and air-pollution-related health impacts.

Climate Change, Air Pollution, and Children’s Health and Your Health

In this episode, Laurel Schaider, Ph.D., talks about how PFAS exposures affect health and how communities can learn more about this large class of chemicals, including ways to reduce exposure.

PFAS and Your Health

In this episode, we hear from Elizabeth Shapiro-Garza, Ph.D., from Duke University, and Veronica Carter, with the North Carolina Coastal Federation. They discuss “Stop, Check, Enjoy!” a campaign to help fishers in southeastern North Carolina understand the risks of consuming certain fish from the Cape Fear River. They also share tips on how to choose, prepare, and cook fish to reduce exposure to harmful contaminants.

Campaign Promotes Eating Safer Fish

In this episode, we’ll hear from Rachel Morello-Frosch, Ph.D., who discusses how historical policies have shaped disparities in health and environmental exposures today.

Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health

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