Blue-green algae may proliferate ("bloom") in fresh water lakes, rivers and ponds. Exposure to water contaminated by the algae can result in a variety of toxic reactions..
Active agents:
(1) anatoxin (a neurotoxin)
(2) microcystins (a hepatotoxin)
(3) nodularins (a hepatotoxin)
Sites where exposures have been reported:
(1) North America
(2) Australia
Exposures:
(1) drinking contaminated water
(2) swimming or working in contaminated lakes
(3) handling fish from contaminated ponds
Clinical findings:
(1) skin irritation or rash
(2) acute respiratory illness
(3) conjunctivitis
(4) earache
(5) allergic reactions (rhinitis, pruritic maculopapular rash, urticaria)
(6) gastroenteritis with nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea
(7) hepatitis
