Sea foam in Adelaide linked to health risks

Two beaches near Adelaide, Australia, have been closed after over 100 surfers fell ill. They reported symptoms like sore throats, dry coughs, and irritated eyes. The cause may be linked to a harmful algal bloom, and officials are testing water samples for toxins. Health experts warn that sea foam found on the beaches poses its own health risks. Some studies show this foam can contain harmful bacteria, often more dangerous than what is found in sewage. Visitors are advised to stay out of the water and avoid breathing in contaminated air. Research from 2003 identified a bacteria called Nocardiae in sea foam, which can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can take months to appear, making it important to monitor health after exposure. The presence of sea foam can be linked to pollution, including runoff from farms and roads. Warm water and algal blooms also contribute to its formation. Experts suggest that reducing stormwater pollution might help decrease sea foam incidents. Sea foam is not only a problem in Australia. It has been observed in various polluted beaches globally. Experts emphasize the need for ongoing research and monitoring to address this issue as pollution levels continue to rise. They urge collaboration between scientists in different fields to understand and manage the situation better.