Neurological risks from breathing red tide toxins in coastal communities
Official title: Neurological effects of aerosolized red tide neurotoxins
Funded at Roskamp Institute, INC. · NIH-11415870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A coastal health study is looking at how breathing toxins from red tide algae might affect the brain and nerves in people who live near affected beaches.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Roskamp Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sarasota, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $701,199 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES036145-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11415870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults living in coastal southwest Florida who have experienced exposure to aerosolized brevetoxins during red tide events and who are willing to provide blood samples and health history.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not exposed to aerosolized brevetoxins or those without interest in providing biological samples may see limited personal benefit.
What this research studies
This project studies how aerosolized brevetoxins from Karenia brevis blooms may impact the central nervous system in people in southwest Florida. Researchers have noted NSP-like symptoms after exposure and want to understand how exposure relates to neurological effects, considering factors like APOE genotype. The study will measure toxins and antibodies in blood, collect symptom reports, and examine whether certain genetic traits increase risk. Findings could inform protective guidelines for residents and improve understanding of how environmental exposures influence brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to better risk assessments and protective strategies for communities exposed to coastal toxins.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work has linked aerosolized brevetoxins to neurological symptoms and identified APOE-related differences, suggesting this approach is promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Roskamp Institute, INC.
Sarasota, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abdullah, Laila — Roskamp Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Abdullah, Laila
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.