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A study on the health effects of harmful algal blooms is being conducted in Cape Coral and researchers are looking for local volunteers to participate.
The study, led by the University of Central Florida College of Nursing, examines the short- and long-term impacts of exposure to toxins from red tide and blue-green algae.
The research, funded by the Florida Department of Health, tracks participants’ interactions with Florida's waterways and measures toxin levels in biological samples.
Participation involves a brief screening survey, sharing information about time spent near bodies of water, and providing small biological samples. Sessions take about 45 minutes and may require a follow-up visit within six months to a year. Participants will receive up to $25 in Amazon gift cards.
Data collection sessions will be held at the City of Cape Coral's Public Works Department, 815 Nicholas Parkway, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
• Sunday, Aug. 31
• Monday, Sept. 1
• Friday, Sept. 19
• Saturday, Sept. 20
• Tuesday, Sept. 26
• Wednesday, Sept. 27
Eligible participants must be 18 years old and live, work, or visit Florida counties impacted by HABs, including Lee County. For more information and full eligibility requirements, click here. To sign up for participation, contact Rebecca.Koszalinski@ucf.edu, Amoy.Fraser@ucf.edu or NurHAB@health.fau.edu.