General Information

Marine and freshwater toxins are natural chemicals created by tiny organisms at the bottom of the food chain. People can be exposed to these toxins through eating contaminated seafood, skin contact, drinking water, and even breathing water spray. These toxins are very powerful, and small amounts can cause short and long-term illnesses in people. These diseases are categorized by the route of exposure. The following table lists the various known diseases by their primary exposure route.

Diseases Associated with Shellfish Ingestion
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)
Diarrheic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP)
Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP)
Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP)

Diseases Associated with Fish Ingestion
Ciguatera
Fugu or Tetrodotoxin Poisoning

Diseases Associated with Aerosol or Water Spray
Aerosolized Brevetoxin
Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria)
Pfiesteria

The Marine and Freshwater toxin diseases are rarely recognized by patients, diagnosed by physicians and other healthcare workers, or reported to Public Health Authorities. It is important to recognize and report these illnesses for several reasons. Several of the marine and freshwater toxin illnesses have appropriate treatment if diagnosed early. In addition, for those illnesses caused by sharing contaminated seafood or water, early diagnosis and reporting can prevent additional cases in other people. Finally, without diagnosis and reporting, we have no idea of the complete extent and impact of these diseases.

An easy way to find diagnosis and treatment information and report marine and freshwater toxin illnesses is to call the Marine & Fresh Water Toxin Hotline (888-232-8635) of the South Florida Poison Information Center. It is a toll-free 24 hour 365 day a year multi-lingual (English, Spanish and Haitian Creole with availability of 125 other translated languages) hotline.