Tests find Toxins in Algae

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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Tests find toxins in algaeBy Sargent Jr.Sentinel Staff WriterJanuary 11, 2002TAVARES -- Tests on several samples of thick, smelly algae scum clogging canals and shorelines along the Chain of Lakes have identified high amounts of toxins, Lake County water officials reported Thursday.The pea-green blankets, which have lingered sometimes for weeks along parts of lakes Dora, , Eustis, Yale and , include microcystis -- an algae that can produce toxins attributed to countless animal deaths around the world -- according to an ongoing study contracted by the Lake County Water Authority.Officials say that although they still know little about the algae, residents should be very cautious around the lakes."It is important that when people see these scums, they should stay away from the water," Water Authority Director Mike said.Results released Thursday showed samples with up to 99 micrograms of the algae toxin microcystin per liter of water. That is nearly 100 times the safe health limit of 1 microgram per liter for drinking water, which was set in 1998 by the World Health Organization.Because the Chain is not used for drinking water, officials are mostly concerned about chances of recreational exposure.World Health Oganization guidelines state that to be safe for swimming, water should contain fewer than 20,000 cells of toxic algae, or cyanobacteria, per milliliter. As the number of cells and the duration of a person's exposure rise, so does the health risk.At 100,000 cells per milliliter, the organization says, people can suffer long-term illness. Swimming through scum, which is very concentrated, can cause acute poisoning.Lake Beauclair topped samples taken last month with more than 93,000 cells of potentially toxic algae per milliliter. But the water contained fewer toxins than other lakes, according to the report.Last month, waterfront residents on the west side of Lake Dora began complaining about the sickening smell of algae scum coating the water in their canals. Many use the water to irrigate their lawns.The Florida Department of Health says it does not know about any related human sicknesses caused by toxic algae studied around the state and will not post any warnings despite the potential threats.The state has not adopted any guidelines for toxic algae.Some biologists said people often will not go near disgusting algae scum, which practically eliminates potential risks from toxins. But Water Authority board member Larry Everly said he is a good example why that isn't necessarily so.Several weeks ago, Everly said he walked out hip-deep into a thick green algae scum on Lake Dora to hang outdoor Christmas decorations. "The bright-green scum was all over the place," he said. "I know I probably should not have done that, but I wanted to get my decorations done."Everly said he immediately washed off after exiting the lake. He said that he felt no ill effects. Sargent can be reached at rsargent@... or 352-742-5909. Copyright © 2002, Orlando Sentinel

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Dear Barbara,

Did you post my letter to the group regarding cholestyramine treatment for neurotoxic exposures? If not, I will re-post because it is very important information everyone should know about! Cherry Haughton

----- Original Message -----

From: Barbara Herskovitz

Sick Buildings Information & Support

Sent: Friday, January 11, 2002 11:47 AM

Subject: [] Tests find Toxins in Algae

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Tests find toxins in algaeBy Sargent Jr.Sentinel Staff WriterJanuary 11, 2002TAVARES -- Tests on several samples of thick, smelly algae scum clogging canals and shorelines along the Chain of Lakes have identified high amounts of toxins, Lake County water officials reported Thursday.The pea-green blankets, which have lingered sometimes for weeks along parts of lakes Dora, , Eustis, Yale and , include microcystis -- an algae that can produce toxins attributed to countless animal deaths around the world -- according to an ongoing study contracted by the Lake County Water Authority.Officials say that although they still know little about the algae, residents should be very cautious around the lakes."It is important that when people see these scums, they should stay away from the water," Water Authority Director Mike said.Results released Thursday showed samples with up to 99 micrograms of the algae toxin microcystin per liter of water. That is nearly 100 times the safe health limit of 1 microgram per liter for drinking water, which was set in 1998 by the World Health Organization.Because the Chain is not used for drinking water, officials are mostly concerned about chances of recreational exposure.World Health Oganization guidelines state that to be safe for swimming, water should contain fewer than 20,000 cells of toxic algae, or cyanobacteria, per milliliter. As the number of cells and the duration of a person's exposure rise, so does the health risk.At 100,000 cells per milliliter, the organization says, people can suffer long-term illness. Swimming through scum, which is very concentrated, can cause acute poisoning.Lake Beauclair topped samples taken last month with more than 93,000 cells of potentially toxic algae per milliliter. But the water contained fewer toxins than other lakes, according to the report.Last month, waterfront residents on the west side of Lake Dora began complaining about the sickening smell of algae scum coating the water in their canals. Many use the water to irrigate their lawns.The Florida Department of Health says it does not know about any related human sicknesses caused by toxic algae studied around the state and will not post any warnings despite the potential threats.The state has not adopted any guidelines for toxic algae.Some biologists said people often will not go near disgusting algae scum, which practically eliminates potential risks from toxins. But Water Authority board member Larry Everly said he is a good example why that isn't necessarily so.Several weeks ago, Everly said he walked out hip-deep into a thick green algae scum on Lake Dora to hang outdoor Christmas decorations. "The bright-green scum was all over the place," he said. "I know I probably should not have done that, but I wanted to get my decorations done."Everly said he immediately washed off after exiting the lake. He said that he felt no ill effects. Sargent can be reached at rsargent@... or 352-742-5909.

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