How can people/animals be exposed to blue-green algae?
Humans or animals can be exposed to blue-green algae and/or the toxins they produce anytime people or animals come into contact with water containing cyanobacteria. Health effects can occur when surface scums or water containing high levels of blue-green algae toxins are swallowed, through contact with the skin (as when swimming, wading or showering), or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled (also while swimming, bathing or showering). Pets that have been swimming in an area with an algae bloom may ingest significant amounts of toxins by licking their fur after leaving the water.
