Heat May Be Creating Toxic Algae

[WeatherPaparazzi]

Just when you thought it was safe to go to the deep end...

© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Heat May Be Creating Toxic Algae
(AP) St. Paul This week's stretch of hot weather in Minnesota may be producing blue-green algae, a toxic algae in Minnesota lakes that can harm animals and people, state pollution regulators said Thursday.

Workers with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency found several dead bullheads on Goose Lake in White Bear Lake this week, and a severe bloom of algae may be the cause, the agency said.

"Conditions are now ripe for creating severe algae blooms," MPCA lakes expert Steve Heiskary said in a news release. "We're starting to get reports and inquiries from around the state about algae, and people are especially concerned about blue-green algae."

While algae are a natural part of the ecosystem, under the right conditions they can grow dramatically, turning water cloudy and green. Blue-green algae thrive in warm and shallow lakes that are rich in nutrients. Most health problems happen when algae concentrate around a shoreline and animals drink the water or otherwise ingest the algae.

Human health effects can include irritation of the skin, eyes and nasal passages, nausea and vomiting. Extreme cases can produce paralysis and respiratory failure, the according to the agency.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.