Human exposure to cyanobacteria and BMAA

Abstract

Cyanobacteria are found worldwide, primarily in aquatic habitats. They are increasing in abundance as a result of increasing nutrient inputs from various human activities. Recent data indicate that most cyanobacteria produce the neurotoxin beta-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), and this toxin can biomagnify UP some food chains to rather high concentrations in animals used as food by humans. BMAA may pose an increasing human health risk.

Keywords::

• Cyanobacteria
• algae
• BMAA
• toxin
• harmful algal blooms
• Florida

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this paper.