;Resize=(1200,627)&impolicy=perceptual&quality=mediumHigh&hash=4c2a7519c015bac9971b6baa67c09af898ae639a34f5fe62b264346231d7570b "Suspected blue-green algae in NRW: you need to know that")
In the video above: How to protect yourself from blue-green algae
At the Möhnesee in Sauerland there is a suspicion of blue-green algae. The authorities and the Ruhrverband warn against contact with the foam that forms. Children and dogs in particular are at risk, the district of Soest said on Friday evening. The municipality of Möhnesee has put up warning signs on the lake steps in the direction of the sailing school. The district expects the result of the water tests from Friday this week.
What you should know about blue-green algae:
What exactly are blue-green algae?
The name “alga” is misleading, because it is actually bacteria, the so-called cyanobacteria. Some of them contain a green-blue dye that has given them the colloquial name “blue-green algae”.
They are mainly found in rivers and lakes, but occasionally also occur in sea water.
Why are blue-green algae dangerous?
In general, the toxins (poisons) produced by the blue-green algae are harmless to healthy people in low concentrations. However, if on calm days the cyanobacteria concentrate at the surface of the water and form a kind of carpet, the concentration of the toxins can increase to the point where it becomes too much
Skin irritations, allergic reactions, if swallowed also nausea, diarrhea, vomiting as well as fever and respiratory diseases
can lead.
Immunocompromised people, pregnant women and children are particularly at risk. There have been repeated deaths in animals that have drunk water contaminated with the toxins. This is known from cattle, dogs and ducks, writes the Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research Warnemünde.
The best and easiest protection is not to swim in the contaminated water. You should not let your dogs drink from the water.
How do you recognize blue-green algae?
If you bathe in official bathing waters, you don’t have to worry, they are regularly checked for possible blue-green algae infestation. Warning signs will be posted in the event of an infestation. However, if you discover a clear greenish color of the water, perhaps even with streaks on the water surface, algae carpets and a musty smell, you should be careful.
The Federal Environment Agency recommends: “If you can no longer see your toes in knee-deep, blue-green water, you should not swim there, as there are then too many cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) in the water.”
Information on water quality can be found on the websites of the federal states.
How are blue-green algae formed?
They are favored by high temperatures, lots of sunshine, drought and little wind. If nutrients from agricultural fertilizers are also introduced into the water, this can lead to a mass development of blue-green algae.