The health risk of toxic cyanobacteria has primarily been researched in relation to the ingestion of water either by drinking or submersing in contaminated water or eating animals with the toxin found in their organs. Very little research has been done on the possible health risks from aerolized particles from toxic cyanobacteria. There have been a few other studies that have proposed the idea that cyanobacteria might be one of factors in developing ALS, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, but no definitive findings have been made.
This study provides additional data to show how toxic cyanobacteria may enter the body without requiring the bacteria to make contact with the body through drinking water, eating contaminated food or contact with skin on the outside of the body. These new findings may encourage further research to see if this environmental toxin in an aerolized form could have an impact on the development of ALS or other illnesses.
http://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/P4.449
Note - title and text edited to correct where the word Alzheimer’s had been used instead of ALS.
This study provides additional data to show how toxic cyanobacteria may enter the body without requiring the bacteria to make contact with the body through drinking water, eating contaminated food or contact with skin on the outside of the body. These new findings may encourage further research to see if this environmental toxin in an aerolized form could have an impact on the development of ALS or other illnesses.
http://n.neurology.org/content/90/15_Supplement/P4.449
Identifying Aerosolized Cyanobacteria as an Environmental Risk Factor for ALS using Human Bronchoalveolar Lavage and Nasal Swab Specimens
Objective: To determine if aerosol is a potential route of cyanobacteria (CB) exposure in humans, and a possible risk factor for neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). . . .
Conclusions: These data suggest that humans may inhale aerosolized CB which can be harbored in the nostrils and, in some cases, the lungs. This is consistent with the hypothesis that aerosol may be a significant route of CB transmission. With chronic exposure, we postulate that this could represent an environmental risk factor for ALS.
Note - title and text edited to correct where the word Alzheimer’s had been used instead of ALS.
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