Does contact with mucilage harm human health?

Stating that the mucilage, which has been effective in the Marmara Sea in recent days, poses a threat to human health, experts warn that the mucilage should not be touched. Experts point out that skin lesions, skin rashes due to contact, rash-like skin lesions may occur due to the fungi, parasites and bacteria contained in the mucilage.

Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Brain Hospital Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Songül Özer made evaluations about the mucilage that threatens the Marmara Sea.

Sea saliva has been studied for years

Defining mucilage as "a thick and sticky substance produced by some plants and some microorganisms," Dr. Songül Özer said, “It is not easy to examine the microorganisms that cause mucilage. Separating, producing and naming microorganisms through a thick and sticky layer is done with a very difficult method. In fact, environmental microbiologists have been investigating this substance called mucilage or sea saliva for years, and they have warned managers and officials.

Mucilage contains intestinal parasites, amoeba species

Dr. Songül Özer said, “As a result of the investigations, they encountered some intestinal parasites, some amoeba species, some fungi and a large number of bacteria called Nocardia in the mucilage formed by the excessive proliferation of phytoplankton groups, microalgae and microscopic plantlets. Mucilage actually causes the greatest harm to plants, animals and other creatures living in and under the sea by cutting off the connection of seawater with the atmosphere and preventing oxygen from going under water.

Contact may cause damage.

"Of course, it will harm people if it comes into contact," said Dr. Songül Özer warned: “Skin lesions, skin rashes due to contact, rash-like skin lesions may occur mostly due to the fungi, parasites and bacteria mentioned above. Larger skin lesions in the form of redness and allergic rash may occur in allergic and sensitive individuals. Until now, a respiratory or digestive tract disease caused by mucilage has not been detected yet, but we may have more detailed information in the future by continuing the investigations and announcing the research results.