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