State well being and environmental businesses advise warning in opposition to dangerous algae blooms

As summer time attracts to a detailed and plenty of Michiganders discover themselves headed to the lake, state and native well being departments are hoping to lift consciousness about one thing that might simply flip a seaside journey bitter– dangerous algae blooms (HABs). 

In keeping with the Michigan Division of Atmosphere, Nice Lakes and Power (EGLE), the months of August and September are peak season for the blooms, which kind resulting from a speedy progress of cyanobacteria. Regardless of cyanobacteria’s pure incidence in lakes, rivers and ponds, they’ll produce toxins that, if breathed in or ingested, may be dangerous to folks and animals.

The Michigan Division of Well being and Human Companies (DHHS) reported that inhaling or swallowing water with HAB toxins can result in runny eyes and asthma-like signs, issue respiration, abdomen ache, vomiting, diarrhea, weak point or dizziness. Contact with the pores and skin may cause rashes or blisters.

Natasha Bagdasarian, DHHS chief medical govt, urged swimmers to maintain a watch out for doable dangerous algae blooms and to get assist in the event that they’re nervous they’ve come into contact with one.

“For those who had contact with or swallowed water with a suspected HAB and really feel sick, name your healthcare supplier or search medical consideration as quickly as doable,” Bagdasarian mentioned in an announcement. 

Earlier than visiting a physique of water, Michiganders can go to the state’s Dangerous Algal Bloom Reviews Map to see weekly updates on the areas of verified blooms and toxin take a look at outcomes.

DHHS supplied recommendation on the way to spot HABs, which are sometimes characterised by inexperienced colour. They will seem in varied textures similar to mats or streaks upon the water, but in addition may be noticed from discoloration throughout the water itself. 

The threats of HABs to animals may be way more extreme than these for people – canine and different animals who come into contact with HABs might be prone to vomiting, staggering, seizures or demise. Pet homeowners are suggested to maintain their animals away from “discolored or scummy water” and to verify canine are rinsed off after contact with lake water.