and smelly. It is important that pets and children are kept away from blue-green
algae blooms. Children are generally more vulnerable to environmental toxins
than adults. Boiling water does not remove or destroy these toxins.
Ways To Limit Your Contact With Blue-green Algal Toxins
1) Do not drink, cook or shower with untreated water from lakes, ponds or
streams.
2) Do not allow pets or livestock to swim in or drink scummy water.
3) If you or your animals accidentally get into a blue-green algae bloom, wash
with fresh water and soap after skin contact, and avoid swallowing or
inhaling water. Wash animals’ fur thor oughly before they start to groom
themselves.
4) Avoid exposure to irrigation water drawn from untreated sources.
5) Notify your local water quality offici als if you notice unusual changes in the
taste or smell of your tap water.
Q: Can blue-green algae supplements (such as 印楲畬楮) contain toxins?
A: Blue-green algae sold as health food are themselves non-toxic. However, some
manufacturers collect their blue-green algae from the wild where many types
(toxic and nontoxic) can grow together. A recent study found most of the products
tested had blue-green algae toxin. The U.S. FDA has received complaints from
consumers about nausea, diarrhea and other symptoms after taking blue-green
algae supplements but these cases have not been confirmed as being caused by the
supplements. At this time, people who choose to use these products should
exercise caution. If you take them, you might ask the manufacturer if they
monitor their products for the presence of toxins and if they culture their blue-
green algae or collect it from the wild. Children, pregnant wom en and people with
impaired liver function should avoid these products until their safety has been
proven.
Q: Are there any drinking water standards for these toxins?
A: There are currently no standards for blue-green algae toxin levels in drinking
water in the U.S. Other countries and the World Health Organization have
developed guidelines for drinking water.
Q: Whom can I contact to report a bl ue-green algae bloom or to get more
information about water quality?
A: Georgia Environmental Protection Division at (912) 264-7284
Georgia Coastal Resources Division at (912) 264-7218
Georgia Coastal Health District (912) 262-2342
Q: Are there web sites for more in formation about blue-green algae?
A: www-cyanosite.bio.purdue.edu/
www.cdc.gov/hab/cyanobacteria/