Overview

• Researchers at the University of Toledo are studying the health effects of microcystin, a toxin from Lake Erie's harmful algal blooms.
• The focus is on how these toxins exacerbate conditions like asthma, liver, gut, and lung diseases.
• Initial lab experiments show significant inflammation in lung cells exposed to aerosolized microcystin.
• Air monitoring near Lake Erie aims to determine if these toxins become airborne during algal blooms.
• A five-year study involving 200 participants will assess the long-term health impacts of exposure to algal blooms.