How can dinoflagellates cause illness or even death in humans?

Dinoflagellates can produce harmful algal blooms that release toxins into the water, which can accumulate in shellfish and fish consumed by humans. These toxins, such as saxitoxin and domoic acid, can lead to conditions like paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) or amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), resulting in severe neurological symptoms or even death. Additionally, certain dinoflagellates can cause respiratory issues when aerosolized, posing further health risks to humans nearby. Proper monitoring and management of these algal blooms are essential to mitigate their impact on public health.