Researchers Urge Caution Over Respiratory Hazards as Sargassum Study Approaches Completion

A long-awaited scientific investigation into the health impacts of sargassum on coastal workers is nearing completion, with preliminary results expected to be released in early 2026.

The study, led by the Quintana Roo Council of Humanities, Science and Technology (Coqcyt) in collaboration with specialists from the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo (UQROO), resumed this year after a season of unusually low sargassum arrivals stalled progress in 2024.

Key Highlight

Scientists say early findings reinforce concerns about respiratory risks from inhaling sargassum leachate — not just from physical contact with the algae.

The project focuses specifically on people who manually collect sargassum, a group considered to have the highest prolonged exposure. According to Project Director Cristopher Malpica Morales, this year’s abundant sargassum influx and the release of long-delayed funding allowed researchers to restart fieldwork in July 2025.

“It is an ongoing study that will be concluding now in December. It was reactivated in July when funding was approved and transferred to the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo,” Malpica Morales said.

Respiratory Concerns After New Findings

Researchers are assessing the effects of inhaling gases and vapors released by decomposing sargassum — known as leachate — after observing respiratory symptoms in workers. Previous studies in the Caribbean have found that sargassum decomposition can emit hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and ammonia, both of which can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs. Recent environmental analyses by Mexican agencies have also detected fluctuating levels of sulfur compounds along affected coastlines, adding urgency to the investigation.

The UQROO team will also analyze concentrations of heavy metals that sargassum often absorbs while floating across the Atlantic. These include arsenic, copper, manganese, and molybdenum — elements that, in high doses, can pose risks to human health and local ecosystems. Comparable studies in Barbados and Puerto Rico have previously identified elevated arsenic levels in dried sargassum samples, intensifying concerns about long-term exposure.

Budget Reduced But Study Continues

Although initial estimates placed the research budget at 400,000 pesos, only about 115,000 pesos were ultimately allocated for this year’s phase. Most of the…