Consumer Affairs Department issues warning: Stay alert against the threat of blue whales
In recent times, a warning has been issued by the Brandenburg Ministry of Consumer Protection regarding the risk of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in bathing waters. This microscopic organism, which can be a threat to both humans and animals, thrives in warm temperatures and strong sunlight, particularly when combined with an abundance of nutrients.
Blue-green streaks or a murky appearance in water can be a warning sign for the presence of blue-green algae. Another common warning sign is a foul odor. While not all bodies of water in the country are affected, it's up to individuals to decide whether it's safe to swim in a particular body of water.
Exposure to blue-green algae can lead to a range of symptoms. In humans, these include skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms such as coughing and throat irritation, gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and in severe cases, neurological symptoms such as headaches, agitation, weakness, seizures, and paralysis. In animals, particularly dogs, additional signs include excessive drooling, stumbling, muscle tremors, loss of appetite, respiratory distress, convulsions, and sometimes death.
Cyanobacteria can produce potent toxins (cyanotoxins) that can damage the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms can appear within minutes to days after exposure and may be more severe in children, pets, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
To minimise the risk, it's advised to avoid swimming or contact with visible blue-green algae blooms. If contact occurs, it's important to rinse off immediately with fresh water. In case symptoms develop after suspected exposure, seeking medical or veterinary advice is crucial.
Local accumulations of blue-green algae can change quickly due to factors like wind direction or water flow. Therefore, it's essential to stay informed about the status of local bathing waters. By taking these precautions, we can enjoy our time in the water safely.
[1] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Harmful algal blooms (HABs). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/nutrient-policy-data/harmful-algal-blooms-hab
[2] World Health Organization. (2011). Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/guidelines-safe-recreational-water-environments/en/
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Recreational water illnesses. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/rwi/index.html
[4] Health Protection Scotland. (2020). Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in Scotland. Retrieved from https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-z-topics/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae/
[5] Public Health England. (2019). Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in freshwater. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae-in-freshwater/cyanobacteria-blue-green-algae-in-freshwater--2
[1] Science has shown that blue-green algae thrives in warm temperatures, strong sunlight, and an abundance of nutrients, making environmental-science research crucial in understanding and addressing the risks associated with these harmful algal blooms.
[2] Simultaneously, advances in science and health-and-wellness have highlighted the need to safeguard public health by minimizing exposure to cyanotoxins, as exposure to these potent toxins can lead to a range of symptoms, some of which can be severe and potentially life-threatening for humans, pets, and aquatic life.
