The prevalence of algatoxin in the marine environment appears to be increasing. If ingested, for example in seafood, these toxins can lead to discomfort or even illness. The algatoxin yessotoxin (YTX), which is found in both mussels and scallops in Norway, may be a potential disease risk factor in the consumption of seafood. "We don't know the long-term effects of YTX on people", says Mónica Suárez Korsnes of the Norwegian School of Veterinary Science (NVH).

Suárez Korsnes has studied the effects of YTX on muscle cell lines from mice and rats.

"We know that an injection of YTX into the abdomen of animals damages heart muscle. To date, YTX intoxication has never been recorded in people…