Published: | Updated:

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF ALGAE BLOOMS?

Technically called cyanobacteria, the ancient class of organisms that create the blooms are present nearly everywhere water is found, but thrive in warm, still bodies like lakes and ponds.

They also create a unique class of toxins, the impact of which on humans is only partly understood.

Long linked to animal deaths, high doses of the toxins in humans can cause liver damage and attack the nervous system.

In the largest outbreaks, hundreds have been sickened by blooms in reservoirs and lakes, and officials in some areas now routinely close bodies of water used for recreation and post warnings when blooms occur.

But less is known about exposure at lower doses, especially over the long term.

Small studies have linked exposure to liver cancer - one toxin is classified as a carcinogen, and others have pointed to potential links to neurodegenerative disease.

Advertisement

Read articles that feature this panel

Toxic chemicals in ocean algae could be causing Alzheimer’s-like brain disease in DOLPHINS, researchers warn

A study says that toxic chemicals stemming from blue green algae has been found in dead dolphins and could be linked to a degenerative brain...

Scans reveal how algae is giving dolphins DEMENTIA: Images show devastating effects of toxins found in ocean algae on the marine mammals'...

Researchers from the University of Miami took samples of brain tissue from of 14 dolphins that died after becoming stranded on the beaches...

Most watched News videos