Algal Blooms Can Cause Health Problems: Oakland Health Division

PONTIAC, MI — Oakland County residents are reminded by the county's health division that algal blooms, recently prevalent in the area, can be dangerous and should be avoided. The basic message is: if water appears scummy or discolored, avoid it.

The harmful algae blooms happen when cyanobacteria overproduces in a body of water. In the right situations – such as sunlight, hot and calm waters and high nutrients – the bacteria can cause a bloom that's toxic to humans and animals.

"If you see algae, avoid direct contact with it and keep pets away as well," said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for Oakland County, according to a press release. "Although algae are a natural presence in waterways, special precautions need to be followed to prevent illness."

The health division offered these tips if you see an algal bloom:

• Do not drink untreated surface water, whether or not blooms are present. Remember, boiling the water will not remove the toxins.
• Obey posted signs for public health advisories and/or beach closings.
• Do not allow children or pets to play in or drink water where algae or scum is present.
• Do not boat at high speeds, water-ski, or swim in areas of the lake where algal blooms are present. Avoid direct contact with the lake water or sprinklers.
• Do not water lawns, gardens, or golf courses with water from impacted lakes or ponds because it aerosolizes the water.
• Report unpleasant tastes or smells in your drinking water to the local water utility.
• Individual property owners should not use algaecides because of the risk of releasing toxins directly into the water. Treatment requires a permit from the EGLE.
• Do not have direct contact with mussels or other bivalves (i.e., zebra mussels) from impacted areas.
• Limit or avoid eating fish from impacted areas. If fish are consumed, eat only the filets - remove guts and liver and rinse filets in clean drinking water. Always follow the Eat Safe Fish waterbody-specific guidelines or Statewide Safe Fish Guidelines, even if a waterbody does not look impacted, available at www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish.

See more on Patch: Lake Erie Algae Bloom Covers 600 Square Miles: Report

The health division said symptoms after coming in contact with an algal bloom can include:

• Skin contact may cause:
  • Rashes, hives, or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits).
• Breathing aerosolized (suspended water droplets) lake water mist from recreational activities and/or lawn watering can cause:
  • Runny eyes and noses
  • Sore throat
  • Asthma-like symptoms
  • Allergic reactions
• Swallowing contaminated water can cause:
  • Severe diarrhea/vomiting and abdominal pain
  • Abnormal liver function
  • Kidney toxicity
  • Weakness, salivation, tingly fingers, numbness, dizziness, difficulties breathing, or death

If you think you have been exposed to an algal bloom, take the following precautions:

• Remove people from the exposure and seek medical treatment if symptoms occur.
• Thoroughly rinse off pets with clean, fresh water if they swam in an area with an algal bloom. If they lick their fur after leaving the water, they may ingest large amounts of the toxin.
• Seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible if you think your pet might have been poisoned by toxic algae.