Health Effects of Harmful algal blooms
Who is at risk of exposure?
People and pets can be exposed to toxins from harmful algal blooms by skin contact, drinking water, breathing in tiny droplets in the air, or eating fish/shellfish that contain toxins (CDC 2021). Knowing the signs of harmful algal blooms and symptoms that may appear after exposure can help keep you and your family stay safe.
People, pets and livestock should avoid contact with any floating mats, scums, or discolored water. Never drink, prepare food, cook, or make ice with untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. In addition to toxins, untreated surface water may contain bacteria, parasites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed. People not on public water supplies should not drink surface water during an algal bloom, even if it is treated, because in-home treatments such as boiling, disinfecting water with chlorine or ultraviolet (UV), and water filtration units do not protect people from HABs toxins (DEC).
Effects on humans
Symptoms from drinking contaminated water include stomach pain, headache, neurological symptoms (for example, muscle weakness, dizziness), vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage.
Touching or swimming in contaminated water may cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
If you suspect an exposure, talk to your healthcare provider or contact a poison control center for advice about how to relieve your symptoms. Let them know that you might have recently come in contact with cyanobacteria or its toxins. Information about the suspected cause of your illness might help your healthcare provider manage your symptoms. Report suspected exposures to NYS Department of Health.
Call 1-800-222-1222