Blue Green Algae Health Risk Uk

When the weather gets warmer blue green algae appears on our canals rivers and reservoirs.

Blue green algae health risk uk.

Contact with affected water can cause skin irritation mild respiratory effects and hayfever like symptoms. 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. The app helps speed up public health warnings and can help teach you how to recognise the risks to you children and animals. Cyanobacteria or blue green algae a type of blooming algae can produce toxins.

Cyanobacteria or blue green algae occur worldwide especially in calm nutrient rich waters. They can also harm people producing rashes after. People may be exposed to cyanobacterial toxins by drinking or bathing in contaminated water. Some species of blue green algae produce harmful toxins which take effect when eaten inhaled or skin contact is made.

Image caption blue green algae in loch leven in perth and kinross. Don t drink from or enter this water. Bloomin algae is a citizen science app for reporting the presence of harmful algal blooms of blue green algae. Some blue green algae can.

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. There have been some reports of more serious illnesses including liver and brain damage. What are the potential health effects of blue green algae and blue green algal toxins. 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.

This can be harmful to both people and animals. 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. The most frequent and serious health. Photo gallery of blue green algae blooms.

Health effects water affected by blue green algae may not be suitable for drinking recreation or agricultural use. These toxins can kill wild animals livestock and pets. Children are at greater risk than adults. This year s warm spring has increased the risk of harmful blue green algal blooms in scotland s rivers and lochs ecologists have.

Yes blue green algae can cause skin rashes sickness stomach pains fever and headaches in humans.