Press Release on Blue Green Algae:
Cayuga County Health and
Human Services
160 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021
For Immediate Release:
Wednesday September 12, 2012
Contact: Eileen O’Connor,
P.E.
Director of Environmental
Health
Phone (315) 253-1405
Fax: (315)-253-1478
Blue – Green Algae
The Cayuga County Health
Department has recently received phone calls from County residents reporting
that there are algae blooms on Owasco Lake. Residents are concerned that these
blooms are blue-green algae. A water sample was taken from a bloom which was
located at the south end of the lake. The sample was sent to the New York State
Department of Health and they confirmed the presence of blue-green algae.
The Cayuga County Health
Department would like to advise people that at any time surface water is
visibly discolored or has surface scums from algae, they should suspect the
presence of blue-green algae and avoid contact or consumption.
Blue-green algae is of concern
as it can produce toxins that could pose a health risk to people and animals
when they are exposed to them in large enough quantities. Adverse health
effects could occur when the blooms are swallowed while swimming or through
contact with the skin.
The Cayuga County Health
Department has the following advice:
1.
People and pets should not swim in water that is discolored or has surface
scum. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with
clean water to remove algae.
2.
Avoid bathing, showering, or washing dishes in untreated water that is
experiencing an algae bloom.
3.
Do not let your pet drink water experiencing blue-green algae blooms.
