Red tide risk to humans is associated with what?

• A. Shellfish poisoning
• B. Skin irritation
• C. Respiratory illness
• D. Water intoxication

Answer: (A)

Red tide blooms release toxins that accumulate in shellfish as they filter water. The main human risk is eating contaminated shellfish, which can cause shellfish poisoning with symptoms that can be serious. Other effects like skin irritation or respiratory symptoms can occur when people come into contact with the water or breathe aerosolized toxins near the bloom, but they are not the primary risk compared to ingesting contaminated shellfish. Water intoxication has no connection to red tide.