Researchers are trying to determine how blue-green algae toxins affect people’s health when breathed through the air.
TOLEDO, Ohio — Researchers are wondering if the toxins that produce harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie can also cause negative health effects when breathed through the air, and they want you to help them find out.
University of Toledo researchers and the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health will be bringing their mobile clinic to Port Clinton and Point Place this summer to begin gathering information from 200 participants of the five-year Great Lakes Aerosol Monitoring Research (GLAMR) study.
It’s well-known that Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, can make people sick who come into contact with it in the water but less is known about the risk of breathing the air near an active bloom.
Residents age 10 and older, who live, work, or recreate near Lake Erie in Lucas, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties are being invited to take part in the study.
Some people with certain pre-existing health conditions may not be eligible to participate.
People chosen for the study will complete surveys about symptoms, record the time they spend outdoors and undergo breathing tests.
Those who take part in certain activities like nasal swabs and blood and urine testing will also be eligible for incentives. It’s not clear at this time what kinds of incentives will be available.
The study will take place through 2029 with two visits per year, once before the start of the algal bloom season, and once during the algal bloom season.
Participants will also be provided with an at-home kit to collect data.
The mobile clinic will be in these lakeshore communities on these dates:
Port Clinton | City Council Center – April 3, June 5, June 12
Point Place | Friendship Park – April 10, April 17, May 15, May 29
Anyone who wants to participate can contact study coordinator Jennifer Gilmore, RN, jennifer.gilmore@utoledo.edu or 419.383.6761.
Click here for more information.