What are the harmful effects of algae?
Drinking algae-affected water or consuming food (such as fish or shellfish) containing toxins can lead to gastroenteritis, which can induce vomiting, diarrhoea, fevers and headaches. These toxins may also affect the liver or nervous system.
How has BGA impacted human health?
Humans exposed to cyanobacterial toxins (via drinking or recreational contact) are affected with a range of symptoms including skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, blisters of the mouth and liver damage.
Is algae harmful to humans?
Harmful algae and cyanobacteria (sometimes called blue-green algae) can produce toxins (poisons) that can make people and animals sick and affect the environment. Algae and cyanobacteria can rapidly grow out of control, or “bloom,” when water is warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients.
What does blue-green algae eat?
About Blue-Green Algae Cyanobacteria, commonly known as Blue-Green Algae, are bacteria that live primarily in water. They feed off of nitrogen and phosphorous from rural and urban runoff, and thrive if there are warm temperatures and an excess of nutrients.
Does blue-green algae affect fish?
Blue-green algae blooms that occur in freshwater lakes and ponds can be directly toxic to fish and wildlife. The blooms produce a toxin that can kill fish and even mammals if ingested in large amounts. Blue-green algae can also kill fish indirectly by causing oxygen levels to drop below the threshold for fish survival.
Is blue-green algae good for humans?
People use blue-green algae for treating high blood pressure and as a protein supplement. It’s also used for high levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood, diabetes, obesity, and many other conditions.
Can you eat blue-green algae?
When taken by mouth: Blue-green algae products that are free of contaminants are possibly safe for most people when used short-term. Doses up to 19 grams daily have been used safely for up to 2 months.
What is blue algae good for?
How can you tell if algae is toxic?
What do toxic algae look like? Toxic algae can look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of water, said Schmale. Harmful algae blooms, which can be blue, vibrant green, brown or red, are sometimes mistaken for paint floating on the water.
What are the effects of blue-green algae?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
What happens if a dog eats blue green algae?
Exposure to high levels of blue-green algae and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting; skin, eye or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties. Pet and livestock illness/deaths can happen if animals consume large amounts of water containing blooms, scums or benthic mats.
What should I do if I see blue-green algae?
Report It. Consider visiting a healthcare provider if you, your family, or your animals are experiencing symptoms related to blue-green algae blooms. Symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; skin, eye, or throat irritation; and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
Is blue-green algae safe for kids?
But blue-green algae products that are contaminated are POSSIBLY UNSAFE, especially for children. Children are more sensitive to contaminated blue-green algae products than adults. Contaminated blue-green algae can cause liver damage, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, thirst, rapid heartbeat, shock, and death.