Toxic algae bloom6/14/2023 ![]() The human nose is extremely sensitive to geosmin and is able to detect it at concentrations at very low levels. ![]() Some of the blue-green algae produce an odor-generating byproduct named geosmin. Are the odors associated with Blue-green Algae hazardous to my health? Other activities that have the potential to aerosolize the lake water include using the water to spray lawns/gardens and irrigate golf courses. However, recreational activities like power boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing and tubing can whip up the surface of the water and create aerosols –- toxin-containing water droplets -– that can be inhaled or ingested, potentially resulting in negative health effects. The chemical toxins produced by these blue-green algae do not volatilize (change from a liquid to a gas) and they are not released as vapors to the outside air. But getting sick will depend on the type of cyanobacteria, the levels in the water and the type of contact you had with this "algae." Can the cyanobacteria toxins be released to the outside air and pose a health hazard? Yes, you can get sick from exposure to cyanobacteria toxins. Can you get sick from exposure to Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria toxins)? Some common ways for phosphorus and nitrogen to enter lakes and streams are from agricultural and residential lawn runoff, improperly functioning septic systems and erosion of nutrient-rich soil. Phosphorus and nitrogen are commonly found in animal and human waste and in fertilizers. Blue-green algae need warm temperatures, sunlight, phosphorus and nitrogen to reproduce. Scientists do not fully understand what causes the same species of algae to trigger toxin production during one bloom and not produce toxin during the next. It is important to note that not all blooms produce toxins. The mats or scum can vary in color and could be bluish-green to red in color. Under the right water conditions, usually in the warmer months, the number of these blue-green algae can dramatically increase or "bloom." Some blooms can be visible as thick mats or scum on the surface of the water, while others can be present without visible surface scum. Why does massive growth of Blue-Green Algae occur in the environment? These toxins can potentially impact the health of people who come into contact with water where HABs are present in high numbers. HABs can produce neurotoxins (which affect the nervous system) and hepatotoxins (which affect the liver). Although many species of algae do not produce toxins, some species of blue-green algae can cause Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). What are Blue-green Algae?Ĭyanobacteria, often called blue-green algae, are bacteria that are naturally found in Ohio lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams. Fall 2022 DNAP eNews - Prairie Restorationįor additional information on harmful algal blooms (HABs), including reporting potential blooms, please visit The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reminds all visitors to our state park beaches to check the Ohio BeachGuard website for any current water quality advisories before swimming.
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