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What are the health risks?

Blue-green algae may produce several different toxins which are harmful to human health. You may be at risk when you use a lake or other body of water which contains a bloom.  You may be exposed during any activity where you may come into contact with the water, swallow water or breathe in water droplets for example swimming, sailing and boating, water skiing or even fishing.

These toxins can cause:

  • Skin rashes, 
  • Nausea, 
  • Vomiting, 
  • Stomach pains, 
  • Fever,
  • Headaches,
  • Occasionally, more serious illness such as liver and brain damage.