The province of New Brunswick is warning people about the dangers of taking recreation in waterways that may have algal blooms.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Cristin Muecke says these blue-green algae blooms can be brought on by a number of ways.
“Usually a combination of temperatures and nutrient load and those types of things. It can appear blue-green hence the name but it can also appear to be red, brown or yellow in colour basically it looks like, almost like a paint sitting on top of the water, says Dr. Muecke.
Dr. Muecke says the rule of thumb is to avoid these blooms but if you happen to be caught in one, do not swallow the water and shower immediately after bathing or swimming in it.
Some of these blue-green ales can produce a toxin that can cause skin, eye and throat irritation as well as gastrointestinal problems.
You can also report the bloom on the government website.
(photo courtesy of GNB)
