Copyright 1998 The Seattle Times Company
The Seattle Times
March 25, 1998, Wednesday Final Edition
SECTION: FOOD; Pg. F2
LENGTH: 226 words
HEADLINE: TREASURES OF THE BEACH -- HOTLINE, WEB SITE HAVE LATEST
ON TOXINS
BYLINE: JUDITH BLAKE
BODY:
Clams, oysters and other shellfish can become contaminated
with " red tide, " or paralytic shellfish poisoning,
a naturally occurring toxin that can make people sick.
That's why it's important to call the state's Red Tide Hotline - 800-562-5632 - before harvesting shellfish on Washington beaches and tidelands. The hotline will tell you whether there is a red-tide alert in the area you plan to visit.
A Washington State Department of Health Web site will give
you similar information. The address is http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/sf/biotoxin.htm
Paralytic shellfish poisoning temporarily affects the nervous
system, causing tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, fingers
and toes and loss of control of arms and legs. It can cause breathing
difficulties and, in extreme cases, death. The toxin is not destroyed
by cooking.
The hotline also warns of other toxins that can occur, such
as domoic acid. In certain types of seafood, particularly razor
clams, the toxin can be absorbed into the edible portion.
Domoic acid poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal
cramps and headache. In severe cases, it can cause breathing difficulties,
coma, permanent memory loss or death. Like red tide, domoic
acid is not killed by cooking.
State officials regularly monitor Washington waters and saltwater
organisms to detect these toxins.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: March 26, 1998