Health effects of red tide and cyanobacteria blooms in Florida

Health Outcomes Associated With Algal Blooms of Cyanobacteria and Red Tide in in Florida: Long-Term Health Impacts of Harmful Algal Bloom Exposure, Phase 2

Observational University of Central Florida · NCT07091058

This project will compare how often adults who live, work, or visit certain Florida counties have respiratory and other symptoms during red tide or cyanobacteria bloom periods to see if exposure leads to more health problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Central Florida Academic / other
Locations1 site (Multiple Locations, Florida)
Trial IDNCT07091058 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will use a case-control approach comparing symptom frequency and exposures during bloom and non-bloom periods at multiple Florida sites. Adults will be enrolled from communities around Fort Myers, Stuart, Lake Okeechobee and other listed counties and will report symptoms and exposure history. For exposed participants, local bloom cell density and environmental measures will be compared with reported health effects. Data collection will occur at partner clinics and public health locations to link local bloom conditions with health impacts.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are English-literate adults (18+) who live, work, or visit the specified Florida counties and can give informed consent.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant, under 18, prisoners, unable to consent, or who do not spend time in the listed counties are excluded and would not be expected to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help public health officials issue better warnings and guide actions to reduce exposure and protect people during blooms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, including prior work by these investigators, have shown that brevetoxin-producing red tides cause respiratory symptoms from inhalation, so this study builds on established evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years or older
* live, visit, and/ or work in the following Florida counties: Indian River, St. Lucie, Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Indian River, and/or Sarasota
* able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

* unable to independently consent
* younger than 18 years old
* prisoner
* pregnant women

Where this trial is running

Multiple Locations, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Red TidealgaeCyanobacteriared tidecyanotoxinHarmful Algal Bloomsmicrocystinsbrevetoxin
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.