Understanding Red Tide Toxins and Children's Health
Brevetoxins and Emergency Encounters among Children (BEECH)
['FUNDING_R03'] · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA · NIH-11135463
This project looks at how natural poisons from red tides might affect the health of children living near coastal areas.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11135463 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Red tides, caused by tiny algae, release natural poisons called brevetoxins into the air and water. We know these toxins can make adults sick, but we don't have much information about how they affect children. Children might be more vulnerable because of their smaller size and developing bodies. This work aims to collect important health information from children in coastal communities to better understand these risks and inform public health actions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children aged 0-11 years living in coastal areas affected by K. brevis red tides, particularly those who have visited emergency departments, are the focus of this work.
Not a fit: Patients outside the specified age range or those not exposed to K. brevis red tides would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how red tide toxins affect children, leading to better public health warnings and ways to protect them.
How similar studies have performed: While adult studies have linked brevetoxin exposure to health issues, this is the first known effort to specifically investigate these impacts among children.
Where this research is happening
TAMPA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA — TAMPA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BULKA, CATHERINE — UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: BULKA, CATHERINE
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 below.