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\nAlgae and cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae) can sometimes cause harm to people, animals, and the environment. Learn more below.
\nAlgae and cyanobacteria are simple organisms that live in the water. Algae and cyanobacteria can rapidly grow out of control, or \u201cbloom,\u201d when water is warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients.
\nBlooms can occur in fresh water, marine (salt) water, and brackish (a mixture of fresh and salt) water around the world. Blooms can look like foam, scum, mats, or paint on the surface of the water. A bloom can change the color of the water to green, blue, brown, red, or another color.
\nBlooms can be harmful to people, animals, or the environment if they
\nPeople and animals (including pets, livestock, and wildlife) can get sick when they have contact with water or food that contains certain types of algae, cyanobacteria, or their toxins.
\nPeople and animals can get sick if they:
\nThere are many types of algal and cyanobacterial toxins. The signs and symptoms they can cause in people and animals are not all the same. Blooms in fresh water can cause different symptoms than blooms in marine (salt) water.
\nSymptoms depend on:
\nToxins from algae and cyanobacteria can make people and animals very sick or even cause death. Animals can die within hours to days of swallowing toxins.
\nIt is important to note that not all algae and cyanobacteria produce toxins, and not all blooms are harmful. Certain types of algae and cyanobacteria are eaten or used in dietary supplements.
\nLearn more about illnesses and symptoms caused by harmful algae or cyanobacteria in fresh water, such as lakes, and salt water, such as oceans and bays.
\nYou can take steps to avoid getting sick from algae, cyanobacteria, and the toxins they make. For example:
\nLearn more about how to protect yourself and your pets.
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