nroath
09-22-2007, 03:50 PM
NM State Agencies Issue Recommendations to New Mexicans
Visiting State Waters Containing Blue-Green Algae <br><br>
SANTA FE - New Mexico State Parks, a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) are advising visitors who swim in any New Mexico body of water to be aware of possible health risks associated with exposure to blue-green algae - a naturally occurring organism in lakes that can produce toxins but is short lived.<br><br>State Parks issued a statewide news release on September 15, 2007, advising visitors to Elephant Butte Lake State Park to keep pets out of the water following the death of a dog. The animal died after swimming in a cove at the lake which tested positive for blue-green algae. The cause of the dog's death is undetermined.<br><br>As a precaution, State Parks has now posted notices at all 19 state park lakes about the presence of blue-green algae.<br><br>"All state parks are open and provide excellent recreation," said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. "Protecting health and safety first and foremost is a top priority, which is why we are providing these recommendations." <br><br>"Blue green algae occurs naturally in lakes throughout the state and rarely produces blooms with the toxic characteristics that may have occurred at Elephant Butte recently," said New Mexico Environment Secretary Ron Curry. "Most blue-green algae are safe; however, people should be aware that toxic conditions can exist and should limit their contact with blue-green algae as much as possible." <br><br>Blue-green algae can form anytime, particularly in the summer or early fall when conditions include the presence of warm, shallow, nutrient rich water that receives a lot of sunlight. Though not normally toxic, algae can produce toxins which can make humans and animals sick when consumed or contact is made with skin. <br><br>Toxic algae blooms are usually localized, sporadic and last a very short amount of time. Algal blooms are often linked to high levels of nitrogen and phosphate, which come from nutrient rich farm runoff, storm water runoff and treated waste water. Algae might be present in water that is visibly discolored and can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. <br><br>Ingestion of, or exposure to, the toxins can result in a rash, hives, or skin blisters in humans. Other symptoms can include runny eyes and nose, dizziness and severe abdominal pain; sore throat, tingling of the lips or extremities, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reaction; acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhea and vomiting, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity or neurotoxicity. Symptoms may take minutes to days after exposure to show up in people or animals. <br><br>To guard against exposure, the DOH advises the following: <br><br>1. "When boating, water skiing or swimming, don't come in contact with water that is discolored or where excessive foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water are visible. <br><br>2. "Avoid swimming in areas with large quantities of algae." <br><br>3. "Shower or rinse off with clean water after swimming and prior to food preparation and eating." <br><br>4. "Rinse pets off with clean water instead of allowing pets to groom themselves." <br><br>5. "Bring clean water for pets and keep them away from the lake." <br><br>6. "Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present." <br><br>7. "Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur after possible exposure." <br><br>For more information, contact Erica Asmus-Otero, State Parks at (505) 827-1473; Marissa Stone, NMED at (505) 827-0314 or DOH at (505) 827-0006. <br><br>The mission of the New Mexico State Parks Division is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors. <br><br>The New Mexico Environment Department's mission is to provide the highest quality of life throughout the state by promoting a safe, clean, and productive environment. <br><br>The mission of the New Mexico Department of Health is to promote health and sound health policy, prevent disease and disability, improve health services systems and assure that essential public health functions and safety net services are available to New Mexicans. <br><br>
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Blue-Green Algae
What is Blue-green Algae?
Blue-green Algae (also known as cyanobacteria) is one of the largest and oldest groups of bacteria that grow in water. Many people refer to it as pond scum. Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams, typically when water is warm and stagnant.
Why is Blue-green Algae in recreational waters a health concern?
Blue-green algae can form blooms that threaten people, animals or the environment and those blooms can but not always:
"Produce toxins that are natural powerful poisons
"Make people, their pets and other animals sick
"Block sunlight and using up all the oxygen in the water, kill other plants and animals
What do Blue-green algae blooms look like?
Blooms often look like green paint floating on water, foam or scum, or mats on the surface of fresh water lakes and ponds. Blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water but as algae in the blooms die, the water may smell bad.
What types of illnesses can people and animals get from being exposed to blue-green algae?
"Skin exposures can give people a rash, hives or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits).
"Breathing in water droplets during activities like water-skiing and swimming can cause runny eyes and nose, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms or allergic reactions.<br><br>"Swallowing water can cause:
o Stomach symptoms to occur within hours or days after an exposure including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
o Neurotoxicity - symptoms can appear within 15 to 20 minutes after exposure. "
"In humans, symptoms can include numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, dizziness and in extremely rare cases death."
"In dogs, symptoms can include drooling, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, convulsions and death."
What if I, my family or pet get sick because of blue-green algae?
Seek medical treatment immediately and notify your medical provider of the exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question - Who is at greatest health risk from Blue-green algae toxins?
Answer - Small animals and children because they weigh less and can get a relatively larger dose of toxin. Dogs are particularly susceptible to blue-green algae poisoning because scums can attach to their coats and be swallowed during self-cleaning.
Question - What can we do if we see a Blue-green algae bloom?
Answer - Don't wade, swim, water ski, boat or come in contact with water in areas where the water is discolored or where you see signs of an algae bloom.
"If you do swim or come in contact with the water rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.
"Don't let pets or livestock swim in or drink from areas where blooms are seen."
"If pets (especially dogs) swim in scummy water, rinse them off immediately - do not let them lick the algae off their fur."
Question - Where in New Mexico can Blue-green algae grow? ?
Answer - Blue-green algae can be found anywhere in New Mexico. However, not all algae is toxic, in fact the vast majority of algae is not dangerous. In certain locations, conditions are better for algae growth, including shallow coves. The shallow coves at Elephant Butte Lake are where known cases of dog poisoning have occurred.
Question - What if I don't see any algae in the water can I still do all the things I normally do like fishing, swimming, water skiing and wading?
Answer - Yes, but remember that it is always a good idea to wash your hands before eating and preparing food and never drink or allow pets to drink untreated surface water.
Question - Have there been any deaths in New Mexico due to Blue-green algae toxins?
Answer - There have been NO reported human deaths but there have been several dog deaths. Also, there have been reports of rashes and stomach problems in humans exposed to water with Blue-green Algae.
Question - Can I eat fish from water containing blue-green algae?
Answer -Yes but eat such fish in moderation and avoid eating the guts of the fish, where accumulation of toxins may occur.
Visiting State Waters Containing Blue-Green Algae <br><br>
SANTA FE - New Mexico State Parks, a division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) are advising visitors who swim in any New Mexico body of water to be aware of possible health risks associated with exposure to blue-green algae - a naturally occurring organism in lakes that can produce toxins but is short lived.<br><br>State Parks issued a statewide news release on September 15, 2007, advising visitors to Elephant Butte Lake State Park to keep pets out of the water following the death of a dog. The animal died after swimming in a cove at the lake which tested positive for blue-green algae. The cause of the dog's death is undetermined.<br><br>As a precaution, State Parks has now posted notices at all 19 state park lakes about the presence of blue-green algae.<br><br>"All state parks are open and provide excellent recreation," said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. "Protecting health and safety first and foremost is a top priority, which is why we are providing these recommendations." <br><br>"Blue green algae occurs naturally in lakes throughout the state and rarely produces blooms with the toxic characteristics that may have occurred at Elephant Butte recently," said New Mexico Environment Secretary Ron Curry. "Most blue-green algae are safe; however, people should be aware that toxic conditions can exist and should limit their contact with blue-green algae as much as possible." <br><br>Blue-green algae can form anytime, particularly in the summer or early fall when conditions include the presence of warm, shallow, nutrient rich water that receives a lot of sunlight. Though not normally toxic, algae can produce toxins which can make humans and animals sick when consumed or contact is made with skin. <br><br>Toxic algae blooms are usually localized, sporadic and last a very short amount of time. Algal blooms are often linked to high levels of nitrogen and phosphate, which come from nutrient rich farm runoff, storm water runoff and treated waste water. Algae might be present in water that is visibly discolored and can include shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. <br><br>Ingestion of, or exposure to, the toxins can result in a rash, hives, or skin blisters in humans. Other symptoms can include runny eyes and nose, dizziness and severe abdominal pain; sore throat, tingling of the lips or extremities, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reaction; acute gastroenteritis, including diarrhea and vomiting, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity or neurotoxicity. Symptoms may take minutes to days after exposure to show up in people or animals. <br><br>To guard against exposure, the DOH advises the following: <br><br>1. "When boating, water skiing or swimming, don't come in contact with water that is discolored or where excessive foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water are visible. <br><br>2. "Avoid swimming in areas with large quantities of algae." <br><br>3. "Shower or rinse off with clean water after swimming and prior to food preparation and eating." <br><br>4. "Rinse pets off with clean water instead of allowing pets to groom themselves." <br><br>5. "Bring clean water for pets and keep them away from the lake." <br><br>6. "Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present." <br><br>7. "Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur after possible exposure." <br><br>For more information, contact Erica Asmus-Otero, State Parks at (505) 827-1473; Marissa Stone, NMED at (505) 827-0314 or DOH at (505) 827-0006. <br><br>The mission of the New Mexico State Parks Division is to protect and enhance natural resources, provide recreational facilities and opportunities, and promote public safety and education to benefit and enrich the lives of our visitors. <br><br>The New Mexico Environment Department's mission is to provide the highest quality of life throughout the state by promoting a safe, clean, and productive environment. <br><br>The mission of the New Mexico Department of Health is to promote health and sound health policy, prevent disease and disability, improve health services systems and assure that essential public health functions and safety net services are available to New Mexicans. <br><br>
###
Blue-Green Algae
What is Blue-green Algae?
Blue-green Algae (also known as cyanobacteria) is one of the largest and oldest groups of bacteria that grow in water. Many people refer to it as pond scum. Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams, typically when water is warm and stagnant.
Why is Blue-green Algae in recreational waters a health concern?
Blue-green algae can form blooms that threaten people, animals or the environment and those blooms can but not always:
"Produce toxins that are natural powerful poisons
"Make people, their pets and other animals sick
"Block sunlight and using up all the oxygen in the water, kill other plants and animals
What do Blue-green algae blooms look like?
Blooms often look like green paint floating on water, foam or scum, or mats on the surface of fresh water lakes and ponds. Blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water but as algae in the blooms die, the water may smell bad.
What types of illnesses can people and animals get from being exposed to blue-green algae?
"Skin exposures can give people a rash, hives or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits).
"Breathing in water droplets during activities like water-skiing and swimming can cause runny eyes and nose, a sore throat, asthma-like symptoms or allergic reactions.<br><br>"Swallowing water can cause:
o Stomach symptoms to occur within hours or days after an exposure including abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting
o Neurotoxicity - symptoms can appear within 15 to 20 minutes after exposure. "
"In humans, symptoms can include numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, dizziness and in extremely rare cases death."
"In dogs, symptoms can include drooling, weakness, staggering, difficulty breathing, convulsions and death."
What if I, my family or pet get sick because of blue-green algae?
Seek medical treatment immediately and notify your medical provider of the exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question - Who is at greatest health risk from Blue-green algae toxins?
Answer - Small animals and children because they weigh less and can get a relatively larger dose of toxin. Dogs are particularly susceptible to blue-green algae poisoning because scums can attach to their coats and be swallowed during self-cleaning.
Question - What can we do if we see a Blue-green algae bloom?
Answer - Don't wade, swim, water ski, boat or come in contact with water in areas where the water is discolored or where you see signs of an algae bloom.
"If you do swim or come in contact with the water rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.
"Don't let pets or livestock swim in or drink from areas where blooms are seen."
"If pets (especially dogs) swim in scummy water, rinse them off immediately - do not let them lick the algae off their fur."
Question - Where in New Mexico can Blue-green algae grow? ?
Answer - Blue-green algae can be found anywhere in New Mexico. However, not all algae is toxic, in fact the vast majority of algae is not dangerous. In certain locations, conditions are better for algae growth, including shallow coves. The shallow coves at Elephant Butte Lake are where known cases of dog poisoning have occurred.
Question - What if I don't see any algae in the water can I still do all the things I normally do like fishing, swimming, water skiing and wading?
Answer - Yes, but remember that it is always a good idea to wash your hands before eating and preparing food and never drink or allow pets to drink untreated surface water.
Question - Have there been any deaths in New Mexico due to Blue-green algae toxins?
Answer - There have been NO reported human deaths but there have been several dog deaths. Also, there have been reports of rashes and stomach problems in humans exposed to water with Blue-green Algae.
Question - Can I eat fish from water containing blue-green algae?
Answer -Yes but eat such fish in moderation and avoid eating the guts of the fish, where accumulation of toxins may occur.