Human Health Impacts - Thirteen people who worked with dilute toxic cultures of Pfiesteria sustained mild to serious adverse health impacts through water contact or by inhaling toxic aerosols from the cultures. Most of the acute symptoms proved reversible over time, provided that the affected people were not allowed near the toxic cultures again. Wetlands Wetlands are those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions . Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. They are area that have hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and wetland hydrology.
Wetlands are an important bridge between land and water.
They filter pollutants from water, reduce flood damage, and recharge aquifers. Because they are so biologically rich, wetlands and adjacent upland represent an important habitat type for many wild species. They benefit many people economically as a result of fishing, hunting, and recreational opportunities. Healthy and productive wetlands are an NRCS national conservation priority. Conversion of wetlands to agricultural land has declined steadily since the 1950's.