Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 0 views

    Cyanobactfaq

    Uploaded by

    85p5dz7tv4
    Cyanobacteria summarized

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Cyanobactfaq

    Uploaded by

    85p5dz7tv4
    0 views2 pages
    Cyanobacteria summarized

    Original Title

    cyanobactfaq

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Cyanobacteria summarized

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    0 views2 pages

    Cyanobactfaq

    Uploaded by

    85p5dz7tv4
    Cyanobacteria summarized

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    You are on page 1of 2

    CYANOBACTERIA

    What are CYANOBACTERIA?


    Cyanobacteria are a group of aquatic organisms officially classified as bacteria, but they
    display characteristics of algae and bacteria. Cyanobacteria produce their own nutrients via
    photosynthesis. The color of the chlorophyll required for this process produces the
    coloration that has led to their common name, ‘blue-green algae.’
    Cyanobacteria occur naturally worldwide, including water bodies in Delaware. Issues arise
    when conditions of light, temperature and nutrients form an environment conducive to an
    algal bloom. Large algal blooms can occur rapidly and cause water color changes and a
    surface accumulation of algal material. The type of algae or other organism involved can
    vary from location to location and season to season. Cyanobacteria blooms are more likely
    to occur during summer months.

    How can I be exposed to cyanobacteria?


    The most common routes of exposure for humans are inhalation and ingestion. Exposure via
    inhalation and drinking water contaminated with high levels of cyanobacteria can occur while
    bathing or during recreational water use. A third potential route of exposure is skin contact
    with contaminated water and vegetative material on the water surface.

    What are the concerns?


    Cyanobacteria produce toxins that can affect various parts of the body. Different species of
    cyanobacteria can produce toxins that can damage the liver (hepatotoxins), affect the central
    nervous system (neurotoxins) and produce toxic alkaloids that affect the renal system and
    gastrointestinal tract.
    Symptoms of exposure to cyanobacteria vary, depending on the route of exposure.
    Symptoms include skin irritation, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever, sore
    throat, headache, muscle and joint pain, blisters of the mouth and liver damage. Swimmers
    in water containing cyanobacterial toxins may suffer allergic reactions, such as asthma, eye
    irritation, rashes and blisters around the mouth and nose.

    How can I prevent exposure?


    Protecting yourself requires a simple, common sense approach to recreational water use.
    Limit contact with water that has an odor or obvious discoloration, and if it has scum or
    algae. Do not allow pets to drink or play in water with scum or algae, and rinse them well if
    they do contact it.

    24/7 Emergency Contact Number: 1-888-295-5156


    Revised: 1/2015
    Page 1 of 2
    What factors limit exposure to cyanobacteria?
    The World Health Organization (WHO) offers the following guidelines for limiting exposure to
    cyanobacteria:
    <20,000 cells per milliliter – low risk of adverse health effects
    This guideline is based on protection from irritation and allergic reactions, rather than
    more serious health outcomes.
    100,000 cells per milliliter – moderate probability of adverse health effects
    This guideline is based on the potential for health effects via inhalation and ingestion
    pathways. Concentrations at this level are more likely to contribute to form scum on
    the surface.
    Scum-containing water – high probability of severe health effect
    There are cases of animal deaths due to consuming scum-containing water. Humans
    are less likely to consume large amounts of this water because of aesthetic concerns.
    However, the potential for health effects exists in the event of accidental consumption
    or inhalation.
    As with most health recommendations, children, pregnant women and people with other
    underlying health problems should take additional precautions even at cyanobacteria’s
    lowest levels.
    One factor that plays a large part in determining potential exposure is the activity involved.
    Activities and expected exposure levels:

    Level of Exposure Recreational Activity


    High Swimming, diving, water skiing
    Moderate Canoeing, sailing, rowing
    Low to none Fishing, pleasure cruising, picnicking, hiking

    What should I do if exposed to cyanobacteria?


    If you think you may have been exposed to cyanobacteria, or the toxins they produce, visit
    your doctor as soon as possible.

    Sources:
    Toxic Cyanobacteria in Water: A guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and
    management, World Health Organization, 1999,
    http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/resourcesquality/toxcyanbegin.pdf
    Guidance for Local Health Departments – Wisconsin Division of Public Health
    http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/eh/Water/fs/CyanobacteriaLHD.pdf
    Public Health Advisory Guidance for Toxigenic Cyanobacteria in Recreational Waters –
    Oregon Department of Human Services,
    http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/envtox/docs/bgadecisioncriteria.doc

    24/7 Emergency Contact Number: 1-888-295-5156


    Revised: 09/2009
    Page 2 of 2

    You might also like