Latest news with #cyanobacteria
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
Why Americans who live near coastlines and lakefronts may face heightened ALS risk
If you live near bodies of water frequently impacted by harmful algal blooms, you may be at an increased risk of dying from ALS, new research reveals. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the debilitating neurodegenerative disease commonly known as 'Lou Gehrig's Disease,' is influenced by genetics and environmental factors. It dramatically slashes the patient's life expectancy, with people typically passing away within two to five years of diagnosis. Some 5,000 are diagnosed with ALS each year in the U.S. Now, researchers at the University of Michigan Medicine say toxins produced by algal blooms in lakes and along American coasts could influence disease progression. 'While there is still limited research into the mechanism by which cyanobacteria toxins affect neurodegenerative diseases, our findings suggest that living near or participating in activities in these water bodies may influence the progression of ALS,' Dr. Stephen Goutman, the school's Harriet Hiller research professor, director of the Pranger ALS Clinic, and associate director of the ALS Center of Excellence, said in a statement. Goutman is the senior author of the study which was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Specifically, the researchers have found a toxin produced by the bloom cyanobacteria in brain and spinal fluid cerebral spinal fluid samples of people with ALS. It's known as ß-methylamino-L-alanine. Increasingly driven by human-caused climate change and nutrient pollution, the blooms are caused when cyanobacteria grows dense and out of control. Cyanobacteria produce several toxic agents that are linked neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They surveyed participants who were seen at the University of Michigan Pranger ALS Clinic, many of whom lived within three miles of a harmful algal bloom. They measured the duration and extent of their exposure using satellite data from the Cyanobacteria Assessment Network and their residential and health histories. Ultimately, they found that living near blooms -- especially if swimming or boating -- was associated with dying of ALS nearly one year sooner. The people with the most significant exposures both lived near harmful blooms and used a private well as their water source. People in the Midwest may be particularly threatened partially due to pervasive industrial and agricultural productions in the region. Michigan's Lake Erie is frequently impacted by these blooms. 'If exposure to cyanobacteria toxins is a meaningful risk factor for ALS, the large number of inland lakes from to such bacteria in the Midwest may partly explain why the disease incidence is much higher than other parts of the country,' Dr. Stuart Batterman, first author and professor of environmental health sciences at the university's School of Public Health, said.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
AHS warns of blue-green algae at Elk Island
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning visitors to Elk Island National Park of blue-green algae seen in the waters of Astotin Lake. The health authority said to avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms and to wash with tap water as soon as possible if contact occurs. Do not swim or allow pets to swim or wade in areas where the algae is visible. Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake. Do not feed any fish or fish trimmings to pets. Fish filets from the lake are safe for humans to eat. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface water. It can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy. Blue-green algae Blue-green algae is seen near the shore in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Grand River Conservation Authority/ Skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea can occur when exposed to blue-green algae or by consuming water containing the bacteria. Exposure to blue-green algae can cause death to pets. Waters of Astotin Lake that do not have visible blue-green algae can still be used for recreational purposes.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
N.B. government warns public of blue-green algae
Atlantic Watch The New Brunswick government is reminding the public of the potential health risks from cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, as temperatures rise.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
N.B. government warns public of blue-green algae health risks with temperatures rising
The New Brunswick government is reminding the public of the potential health risks from cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, as temperatures rise. Although not all blue-green algae are harmful, some produce toxins that can cause skin, eye and throat irritation. Ingesting these toxins may lead to stomach issues and can also harm pets, fish, wildlife and livestock, a news release said. 'We want all residents to be active and enjoy the outdoors, but we also want them to understand and consider the potential risks of exposure to cyanobacteria,' said Dr. Yves Léger, chief medical officer of health. 'New Brunswickers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the appearance of cyanobacteria blooms in order to minimize risks for themselves, their loved ones and pets.' Surface blooms of cyanobacteria are usually blue-green, but can also appear green, red or brown. 'There are always things you can do to help protect yourself while enjoying recreational waters,' said Léger. 'Cyanobacteria blooms can be unpredictable, so it's important to always check the water and scan the shoreline before entering and avoid swimming in areas where there are visible blooms or mats.' Benthic mats that form at the bottom of lakes and rivers can resemble clumps of vegetation and appear black, brown or dark green in water. They may turn brown or grey when dried on shore. Blue-green algae can be toxic and deadly to dogs in ingested. Owners should not allow dogs to eat shoreline vegetation or floating benthic mats. Other safety warnings include: always supervise young children and pets near recreational waters do not swallow lake or river water bathe or shower after being in recreational waters do not enter the water with open cuts or sores always wash your hands before eating 'The government continues to support various cyanobacteria research projects through the Environmental Trust Fund,' said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage. 'These projects, which are underway throughout the province, are intended to build a better understanding of the distribution of cyanobacteria and potential toxins.' For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTV News
12-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Blue-green algae advisory issued for Half Moon Lake
Blue-green algae is pictured in this photo from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising people to avoid parts of Half Moon Lake with blue-green algae blooms. The health authority said cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, has been identified in the waters of Half Moon Lake in Strathcona County, approximately 27 kilometres east of Edmonton. Visitors to the lake are advised to avoid all contact with algae blooms, not to swim or wade or allow pets to do so where algae blooms are visible, not to feed whole fish or trimmings from the lake to pets and to consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and trimmings from the lake. Fish fillets from the lake are still safe for human consumption. If you or your pet comes into contact with blue-green algae, AHS recommends that you wash with tap water as soon as possible. Cyanobacteria often looks like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface water. It can be blue-green, greenish-brown and/or pinkish-red. It can smell musty or grassy. Those who come in contact with or ingest water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve within one or two days. Symptoms in children are usually more noticeable. Exposure to the bacteria can be fatal to pets. AHS said the waters of Half Moon Lake which do not have visible blooms, can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the health advisory is in place.
