Tag: toxins

Author SuzannePosted on Categories WaterTags , , ,

Toxic algae alert issued for Russian River

Derek Moore, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Sonoma County public health officials are urging caution while swimming in or being near the Russian River after tests this week revealed the presence of a harmful toxin produced by blue-green algae near four public beaches.
Officials are not advising people to avoid swimming in the river — at least, not yet. But they are asking people to take precautions, especially with children and pets. Both are more susceptible to being harmed by the toxin.
“I think it would be better not to bring the dog to the river,” Dr. Karen Holbrook, the county’s deputy health officer, said Thursday. “If they do bring a dog, they need to monitor him or her very closely.”
The warning was issued after tests revealed the presence of Anatoxin-a in the water near the four beaches. The naturally occurring toxin attacks the central nervous system of mammals and can be so lethal that it’s earned the scary moniker “VFDF” — short for “Very Fast Death Factor.”
Under new state guidelines, any amount of the toxin found in waterways is enough to trigger health warnings. Officials began putting up signs Thursday at all ten of the Russian River’s public beaches encouraging people to be mindful of the algae and to follow recommendations to minimize risks from exposure.
The suggestions include not ingesting river water or using it for cooking, keeping pets and children away from algae and showering with fresh water after getting out of the river.
Read more at: Toxic algae alert issued for Russian River | The Press Democrat

Author SuzannePosted on Categories Water, WildlifeTags , ,

Warnings of toxic algae on Russian River

Bay City News Service, SFGATE.COM
Sonoma County officials began posting signs Friday at public beaches along the Russian River warning swimmers of possibly toxic algae blooms.
The Environmental Health and Safety Section of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board are recommending beach-goers practice safety precautions after health department officials detected small amounts of blue-green algae and toxins in the river.
County health officials are advising visitors to avoid drinking river water or cooking with it. Additionally, visitors should supervise young children near the water, as well pets.
Beach-goers are also advised to wash themselves, their families and their pets with clean water after swimming in the river, health department officials said.
Any fish caught in the river should be consumed only after the guts and liver have been removed and the fillet rinsed with clean water.
Although blue-green algae is common in many water environments, warm waters, low flows and abundant nutrients can cause algae to grow faster than usual.
Read more at: Warnings of toxic algae on Russian River in Sonoma County – SFGate