Occupational exposure to Pfiesteria species in estuarine waters is not a risk factor for illness.(Research) From: Environmental Health Perspectives | Date: July 1, 2006| Author: Morris, J. Glenn, Jr.; Grattan, Lynn M.; Wilson, Leslie A.; Meyer, Walter A.; McCarter, Robert; Bowers, Holly A.; Hebel, J. Richard; Matuszak, Diane L.; Oldach, David W. | COPYRIGHT 2006 National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

BACKGROUND: Exposure to the dinoflagellate Pfiesteria has, under certain circumstances, been associated with deficits in human learning and memory. However, uncertainties remain about the health risk of chronic, low-level exposures (as seen among occupationally exposed commercial fishermen), particularly in light of studies suggesting that Pfiesteria strains are widespread in the estuarine environment in the U.S. mid-Atlantic region.

METHODS: We selected an initial cohor...