Guantanamo.- In recent days, the arrival and accumulation of sargassum on the coast of Guantánamo Province has been reported, posing a high risk to human health.
This behavior is related to climate change (increasing ocean temperatures and altered currents).
Changes in wind patterns with ocean pollution (excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus).
These same conditions generated a record arrival of sargassum on the Caribbean coasts in 2018, a situation that could worsen in July and August if there is no extreme weather event (tropical cyclone).
Causing: Health hazards due to the emission of toxic gases: When sargassum decomposes, it releases hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, which can cause: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; Headaches, nausea, and dizziness; and Respiratory problems in people with asthma or allergies.
Bacteria and parasites: Decomposing sargassum harbors bacteria such as Vibrio, which can cause skin and gastrointestinal infections if there is direct contact or ingestion of contaminated water.
