There are various types of algae that occur naturally in all natural waters but evidence suggests the one that poses the greatest risk to health is blue green algae cyanobacteria in freshwaters.
Blue green algae health risk uk.
Health effects water affected by blue green algae may not be suitable for drinking recreation or agricultural use.
Cyanobacteria or blue green algae a type of blooming algae can produce toxins.
Is blue green algae a health risk to humans.
These toxins can kill wild animals livestock and pets.
If you spend time near water it s important to understand some basic facts to keep yourself and your family safe.
Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that affect animals and humans.
Cyanobacteria or blue green algae occur worldwide especially in calm nutrient rich waters.
Some species of blue green algae produce harmful toxins which take effect when eaten inhaled or skin contact is made.
What are the potential health effects of blue green algae and blue green algal toxins.
Bloomin algae is a citizen science app for reporting the presence of harmful algal blooms of blue green algae.
Children are at greater risk than adults.
The app helps speed up public health warnings and can help teach you how to recognise the risks to you children and animals.
Yes blue green algae can cause skin rashes sickness stomach pains fever and headaches in humans.
It might be a harmful blue green algae bloom if the water is blue green green yellow white brown purple or red has a paint like appearance or if there is scum on the water surface.
People may be exposed to cyanobacterial toxins by drinking or bathing in contaminated water.
There have been some reports of more serious illnesses including liver and brain damage.
Contact with affected water can cause skin irritation mild respiratory effects and hayfever like symptoms.
Image caption blue green algae in loch leven in perth and kinross.
Don t drink from or enter this water.
The most frequent and serious health.
Photo gallery of blue green algae blooms.
If these toxins are ingested in large quantities they can present risks to human health and long term exposure of human skin to the toxins can cause irritation.
When the weather gets warmer blue green algae appears on our canals rivers and reservoirs.
This can be harmful to both people and animals.
Blooms of blue green algae can form thick scums on the surface of the water and are often cause for concern because as they start to break down they can release a range of toxins.
