Blue Green Algae Health Risk Uk

Some blue green algae can.

Blue green algae health risk uk.

Yes blue green algae can cause skin rashes sickness stomach pains fever and headaches in humans. This can be harmful to both people and animals. There have been some reports of more serious illnesses including liver and brain damage. Photo gallery of blue green algae blooms.

Don t drink from or enter this water. Children are at greater risk than adults. Cyanobacteria or blue green algae occur worldwide especially in calm nutrient rich waters. Bloomin algae is a citizen science app for reporting the presence of harmful algal blooms of blue green algae.

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. They can also harm people producing rashes after. Some species of blue green algae produce harmful toxins which take effect when eaten inhaled or skin contact is made. When the weather gets warmer blue green algae appears on our canals rivers and reservoirs.

People may be exposed to cyanobacterial toxins by drinking or bathing in contaminated water. 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. These toxins can kill wild animals livestock and pets. What are the potential health effects of blue green algae and blue green algal toxins.

Image caption blue green algae in loch leven in perth and kinross. If you spend time near water it s important to understand some basic facts to keep yourself and your family safe. Cyanobacteria or blue green algae a type of blooming algae can produce toxins. The app helps speed up public health warnings and can help teach you how to recognise the risks to you children and animals.

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. The most frequent and serious health. Contact with affected water can cause skin irritation mild respiratory effects and hayfever like symptoms. Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that affect animals and humans.

Health effects water affected by blue green algae may not be suitable for drinking recreation or agricultural use.