Can cyanobacteria make me sick?
Yes. People may develop allergic reactions such as skin rash, hives, itchy eyes and throat if they come in contact with water containing cyanobacteria that are producing toxins. Swimming, water-skiing, and wind surfing are examples of recreational activities during which dermal exposure to toxins may occur. Some symptoms caused by cyanobacteria exposure may be similar to those caused by “swimmer’s itch,” a condition that has been reported among bathers in many Washington lakes. Swimmer’s itch may occur on any exposed skin and can cause a sharp burning and itching in affected areas. Small reddish bumps surrounded by a zone of redness may appear within twelve hours after swimming. Itching due to swimmer’s itch is intense. If you come in contact with water containing blue-green algae toxins or swimmer’s itch, rinse off your body as soon as possible. Long-term exposure to water with microcystins has been shown to promote liver tumors in animals. For this reason, people and animals should n
