With Spring beginning to bloom and people starting to get out and about, residents and visitors to Highland Perthshire and the rest of Perth and Kinross are being warned over the risks of Blue Green Algae.
Blooms of Algae in freshwater can produce potent toxins which are harmful to humans and dogs, causing skin rashes, eye irritations, fever, muscle, and joint pains and more. If you or your pet becomes unwell after contact with water contaminated with Blue Green Algae, you should visit the doctors or veterinarian immediately.
The Algae is a naturally occurring bacteria known as cyanobacteria which produces the chemicals that are harmful to humans and animals. Blue Green Algae develops as small green particles which will develop in to a green or turquoise scum on the surface of the water.
You can spot the Algae on the water as the water will appear to have green or turquoise paint strips, green scum or clumps of green particles in the water.
Everyone is encouraged to keep an eye out for Perth and Kinross Council Health warnings, which will be displayed at sites where the presence of Blue Green Algae has been confirmed and to keep dogs on leads and stay away from contaminated water.
You find a list of reported sites of Blue Green Algae on the Bloomin’ Algae app, which will also allow users to report sites.
You can find more information about the app by visiting https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae?fbclid=IwAR3nydrBPxOCRWFYVLlL8bfeJbAe0YVe-mizDaDY2K54ra7wNqXq4KEjUJM
