Heading to the cottage this weekend? The Lanark, Leeds Grenville District Health Unit wants to remind those heading out onto the water to beware of blue-green algae blooms. These are a natural seasonal phenomenon that may appear in our lakes, rivers and ponds.
Many of these blooms are relatively harmless; however, some species have the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to people and animals. Toxins are released when the algae cells break down; these toxins can cause skin irritation, nausea and vomiting. For more information on blue-green algae, visit the Health Unit .