A red tide bloom along the Bolivar Peninsula is raising questions about what it means for people visiting the coast — and how exposure could affect your health.
Red tide happens when microscopic, plant-like organisms in the water grow rapidly. When conditions are right — including warmer temperatures, sunlight and nutrients in the water — those organisms can multiply and create a bloom.
Some types produce toxins that can affect people through the air and through contaminated seafood.
What happens if you breathe it in?
When waves and wind move the organisms and their toxins into the air near the shoreline, people can develop respiratory symptoms…