Aquatic Toxins and Your Health
Florida has an inviting subtropical climate along with 1,200 miles of coastline,
11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways, 7,700 lakes and more large springs than any
other state. The Department of Health (DOH) Aquatic Toxins Disease Prevention Program
works to ensure that these waters are safe for recreation and that Florida seafood is safe to eat.
We protect the health of Floridians by educating people about harmful algal blooms
and their toxins, watching for illnesses in our communities, and working with local, state
and federal agencies to reduce exposures to aquatic toxins.
Some of the things we do include:
Monitor for Illnesses: The Florida Poison Information Centers
and local County Health Departments report cases of aquatic toxin illnesses
to our program. We do electronic surveillance of poison control and hospital data
to locate new cases of illness in the community and investigate the cause.
Provide Education and Outreach: Our program provides education to the health care community
and the public to prevent the number of illnesses caused by algal blooms.
Assist Local Communities: We work with neighborhood organizations, local health departments,
and any interested group to respond to algal blooms and reduce human and animal exposures to protect health.
If you have a question or a health problem related to aquatic toxins please call the Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
It will help you get proper treatment and protect your family. It also helps us find out how these algal blooms
and the toxins they may produce affect people.
Report fish kills to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
1-800-636-0511
Funding for this program comes from the US Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) Grant # U50-CCU423360-01, the National Science Foundation (NSP) Award # 1009244, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NASA) Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Agreement # NNH08ZDA001N
Mission: To protect, promote & improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, & community efforts.
Vision: To be the Healthiest State in the Nation
Values: (ICARE)
I nnovation: We search for creative solutions and manage resources wisely.
C ollaboration: We use teamwork to achieve common goals & solve problems.
A ccountability: We perform with integrity & respect.
R esponsiveness: We achieve our mission by serving our customers & engaging our partners.
E xcellence: We promote quality outcomes through learning & continuous performance improvement.
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