Oceans and Human Health | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Source: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/centers/oceans
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:20
Oceans and Human Health | National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
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Oceans and Human Health
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Program Description
The oceans can affect our health in many ways. They contain many types of microscopic organisms, some of which produce toxins when conditions are right. Toxins from harmful algal blooms, sometimes called red tides, can contaminate shellfish such as clams and mussels. Eating the contaminated seafood may cause serious illness. Harmful algal blooms are unsafe to touch or swallow, and they can produce airborne toxins that cause health problems when inhaled.
Hurricanes, can stir up sediment and alter the gradient of man-made pollutants to which coastal populations are exposed. These weather events also contribute to persistent storm damage and flooding, increasing exposure to fungus and mold-related health effects.
What NIEHS Is Doing
Since 2004, NIEHS and the National Science Foundation jointly fund research on marine-related health issues through the Centers for Oceans and Human Health and through individual research projects focusing on oceans and the Great Lakes in relation to human health. Grantees develop techniques for more accurate and earlier detection of harmful algal blooms with the goal of preventing and reducing exposure. They also study the health effects of eating seafood containing toxins produced by harmful algal blooms.
In addition, NIEHS grantees examine the health effects of consuming seafood containing pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury. They identify indicators of recreational water contamination and illness.
Researchers are studying whether the virulence and antibiotic resistance of the pathogens
Vibrio vulnificus
and
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
will be altered due to variation in water temperature, salinity, acidity, and mineral composition.
The
Time-Sensitive Research Opportunities in Environmental Health program
is a mechanism to allow for nimble response to extreme weather events such as hurricanes or harmful algal blooms. For example, NIEHS has supported studies on pollutants following Hurricane Harvey and exposure to mold in flooded homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Program Lead
Anika L. Dzierlenga, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3125
[email protected]
Related Links
Microplastics, Algal Blooms, Seafood Safety Are Public Health Concerns Addressed by New Oceans and Human Health Centers
Grantee Shines New Light on Cause of Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning
- Environmental Factor, April 2024
Scientific Innovation Front and Center During NIEHS Council Meeting
- Environmental Factor, March 2022
Harmful Algal Blooms Challenge Ecosystems, Food Security
- Environmental Factor, November 2021
Developmental Neurotoxicity of Domoic Acid
Developmental Neurotoxicity of the Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Domoic Acid
Killifish Hint at Genetic Basis for Human Toxicant Susceptibility
Oceanus by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Back
to Top
Last Reviewed: January 05, 2026
Skip Navigation
Oceans and Human Health
Close the left navigation
Add
Program Description
The oceans can affect our health in many ways. They contain many types of microscopic organisms, some of which produce toxins when conditions are right. Toxins from harmful algal blooms, sometimes called red tides, can contaminate shellfish such as clams and mussels. Eating the contaminated seafood may cause serious illness. Harmful algal blooms are unsafe to touch or swallow, and they can produce airborne toxins that cause health problems when inhaled.
Hurricanes, can stir up sediment and alter the gradient of man-made pollutants to which coastal populations are exposed. These weather events also contribute to persistent storm damage and flooding, increasing exposure to fungus and mold-related health effects.
What NIEHS Is Doing
Since 2004, NIEHS and the National Science Foundation jointly fund research on marine-related health issues through the Centers for Oceans and Human Health and through individual research projects focusing on oceans and the Great Lakes in relation to human health. Grantees develop techniques for more accurate and earlier detection of harmful algal blooms with the goal of preventing and reducing exposure. They also study the health effects of eating seafood containing toxins produced by harmful algal blooms.
In addition, NIEHS grantees examine the health effects of consuming seafood containing pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and mercury. They identify indicators of recreational water contamination and illness.
Researchers are studying whether the virulence and antibiotic resistance of the pathogens
Vibrio vulnificus
and
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
will be altered due to variation in water temperature, salinity, acidity, and mineral composition.
The
Time-Sensitive Research Opportunities in Environmental Health program
is a mechanism to allow for nimble response to extreme weather events such as hurricanes or harmful algal blooms. For example, NIEHS has supported studies on pollutants following Hurricane Harvey and exposure to mold in flooded homes in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Program Lead
Anika L. Dzierlenga, Ph.D.
Health Scientist Administrator
Tel 984-287-3125
[email protected]
Related Links
Microplastics, Algal Blooms, Seafood Safety Are Public Health Concerns Addressed by New Oceans and Human Health Centers
Grantee Shines New Light on Cause of Ciguatera Seafood Poisoning
- Environmental Factor, April 2024
Scientific Innovation Front and Center During NIEHS Council Meeting
- Environmental Factor, March 2022
Harmful Algal Blooms Challenge Ecosystems, Food Security
- Environmental Factor, November 2021
Developmental Neurotoxicity of Domoic Acid
Developmental Neurotoxicity of the Harmful Algal Bloom Toxin Domoic Acid
Killifish Hint at Genetic Basis for Human Toxicant Susceptibility
Oceanus by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Back
to Top
Last Reviewed: January 05, 2026