Record seaweed invasion leaves beachgoers gagging as fumes raise health fears

A record amount of sargassum seaweed is washing ashore in South Florida, creating unsightly mounds and noxious odors from decomposing hydrogen sulfide gas. Health officials warn the gas can irritate respiratory systems, particularly for those with asthma, as seaweed coverage reaches 4% of the ocean's surface. The expansion of the 'Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt' since 2011 is linked to shifting wind patterns.