Cyanotoxins enter the human body primarily through ingestion, inhalation, or direct skin contact with contaminated water or food. People can be exposed by drinking water containing cyanotoxins, consuming fish or shellfish from affected waters, or inhaling aerosols while swimming or showering in contaminated water.

The health effects of cyanotoxins vary based on the type of toxin, the level of exposure, and the route of entry. Among the over 1,000 identified cyanotoxins, the following are particularly notable due to their severe health impacts and common occurrence in harmful algal blooms.

1. Microcystins

Source: Produced by cyanobacteria such as Microcystis.
Health Impacts: Microcystins primarily target the liver, causing damage that can lead to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and potentially liver cancer. Symptoms of exposure include gastrointestinal distress like nausea and diarrhea.
Additional Concerns: Long-term exposure to microcystins can have chronic health effects and increase the risk of liver cancer.

2. Anatoxins

Source: Found in cyanobacteria such as Anabaena and Planktothrix.
Health Impacts: Anatoxins are neurotoxins that can cause respiratory paralysis, convulsions, and death if ingested in large amounts. They affect nerve signal transmission, leading to muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.
Additional Concerns: High exposure risks for both humans and animals, particularly through contaminated water sources.

3. Saxitoxins

Source: Produced by some freshwater cyanobacteria and marine dinoflagellates.
Health Impacts: Saxitoxins cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), which can result in numbness, dizziness, and in severe cases, respiratory failure and death. Symptoms start with tingling sensations and can progress to paralysis.
Additional Concerns: These toxins bioaccumulate in shellfish, presenting risks to humans consuming contaminated seafood.

4. Cylindrospermopsin

Source: Produced by cyanobacteria like Cylindrospermopsis and Aphanizomenon.
Health Impacts: Cylindrospermopsin is a hepatotoxin and cytotoxin that damages the liver and kidneys, causing symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress and organ failure.
Additional Concerns: Disrupts aquatic ecosystems by affecting biodiversity and causing stress to aquatic organisms.

5. Nodularins

Source: Produced by cyanobacteria such as Nodularia.
Health Impacts: Nodularins are structurally similar to microcystins and also primarily affect the liver. They can cause liver damage, leading to hepatitis, liver tumors, and potentially liver failure. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Additional Concerns: Long-term exposure can increase the risk of liver cancer and contribute to chronic liver diseases.

Destructive Impact of Cyanotoxins on Human Health: Examining Real-Life Tragic Outcomes

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