THE Environment Agency have put up warning notices after an inspection of a Middlesbrough's Hemlington lake confirmed blue-green algae is in the water.
The blue-green algae occur naturally in inland waters, estuaries and the sea, their growth encouraged by warm water temperatures and stable sunny
conditions, particularly if the water has a high nutrient content.
Research has shown that around half of all blooms of the algae produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and some animals if consumed in
significant quantities.
These toxins can kill wild animals, farm livestock and domestic pets, while in humans they can cause rashes after skin contact and if swallowed can
cause vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and muscle and joint pain.
People are advised to keep away from the water’s edge and avoid contact with any scum on the water; keep pets away from the water’s edge; if taking part in water activities, avoid swallowing the water, wear protective clothing and shower afterwards.
Blue-green algae are usually suspended in the water or attached to rocks or other material.
Blooms can look like paint or jelly or form small clumps and may be blue-green, grey-green, greenish-brown or reddish-brown in colour.
It is likely to subside when the weather cools.
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