Abstract

Toxins from HABs can be incorporated into aerosols and transported inland, where subsequent exposure and inhalation can induce adverse health effects. However, the relationship between HAB aerosols and health outcomes remains unclear despite the potential for population-level exposures. In this review, we synthesized the current state of knowledge and identified evidence gaps in the relationship between HAB aerosols and human health. Aerosols from Karenia brevis, Ostreopsis sp., and cyanobacteria were linked with respiratory outcomes. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have become a growing environmental concern in recent years, with their impacts reaching far beyond aquatic ecosystems. As these blooms proliferate, they can release harmful toxins into the air, leading to the formation of aerosols that pose significant risks to human health. In this article, we delve into the emerging field of harmful algal bloom aerosols and the associated concerns for human health.