FL - Massive smelly algae bloom nearing Florida will impact health of residents, ocean
Florida residents may have trouble breathing after inhaling hydrogen sulfide
A massive seaweed bloom may be heading toward Florida's Gulf Coast, bringing harmful impacts for humans and marine ecosystems alike.
Sargassum is a blob of brown seaweed and, at around 5,000 miles wide, the bloom is twice the width of the U.S.
While the thick mat of macroalgae can provide a habitat for migratory marine life and absorb carbon dioxide, it can also threaten coastal inhabitants.
The Florida Department of Health notes that it gives off a substance called hydrogen sulfide when it rots.
GIANT BLOB OF SEAWEED TWICE THE WIDTH OF US TAKING AIM AT FLORIDA, SCIENTISTS SAY
Hydrogen sulfide can irritate the eyes, and residents may have trouble breathing after inhaling it. While the algae itself does not sting or cause rashes, tiny organism like larvae of jellyfish may irritate the skin.
Do not use sargassum in cooking, as it may contain large amounts of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium.
Hydrogen sulfide is not known to cause cancer in humans. However, those who are exposed for a long time in an enclosed space can be impacted. Hydrogen sulfide levels in places like the beach are not expected to harm health.
