Learning and memory difficulties after environmental exposure to waterways containing toxin-producing Pfiesteria or Pfiesteria-like dinoflagellates

Abstract

People with environmental exposure to waterways in which Pfiesteria toxins are present are at risk of developing a reversible clinical syndrome characterised by difficulties with learning and higher cognitive functions. Risk of illness is directly related to degree of exposure, with the most prominent symptoms and signs occurring among people with chronic daily exposure to affected waterways.