Algal Toxins Are Blooming in Kansas Lakes
In Kansas a harmful blue-green algae is blooming in local lakes. The Kansas Departments of Health and Environment and Wildlife and Parks have issued June advisories warning residents about the risk of exposure.
According to a revised KDHE response plan, the dense algal bloom tends to occur from April 1 to Oct. 31. Freshwater cyanobacteria under the bloom can produce potent toxins that may cause damage to the liver, skin and nervous system of humans and animals.
Human health effects from ingesting or inhaling the contaminated water include hay fever-like symptoms, respiratory diseases, skin rashes, vomiting and diarrhea. There are currently no known antidotes to the algal toxins.
The KDHE website offers guidance on which areas fall within the three advisory levels of watch, warning and hazard. As of June 23, warning advisories are in place for Sedgwick, Ford, Anderson, Saline, Shawnee, Geary and Clay counties.
To avoid contact with the harmful algal bloom the department recommends signage posted at public access locations to prevent eating or drinking contaminated water. The department discourages swimming, wading, skiing and jet skiing in bloom locations.
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