Most sea urchins are harmless to harvesters, but the spiny needles on some species contain toxins that cause severe swelling and irritation if they break the skin. Removal of these spears is time-consuming and can be painful; untreated lesions can cause infection if not extracted quickly. Sea cucumbers also eject a toxic substance that can cause blindness if it is exposed directly to the eye.
Most divers work alone with a vessel close by, but if they get into trouble it can be hard for them to summon help. There are many documented cases of divers harvesting sea urchins by hand who have lost their lives; sometimes their scuba tanks run out of air, and sometimes they drown in rough seas. Divers can also suffer from decompression sickness if they ascend too quickly.
Pfiesteria, a microscopic aquatic organism that can live on sea urchins, produces toxins that can harm workers if they come into direct contact with the toxins or inhale them. Pfiesteria also causes lesions on sea urchins and fish. This organism is a leading cause of illness in workers processing sea urchins. Exposed workers complain of headaches, diarrhea, nausea and burning eyes and noses.
Harvesting and processing urchins during the winter season can cause severe dermatitis--a condition that causes cracking and splitting of the skin. Some workers also develop allergies after long exposure to sea urchins, which can be tempered somewhat by wearing protective gloves, goggles, and aprons.
