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Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, 218-283-6670
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN: Blooms of blue-green algae have been detected in Kabetogama Lake and Black Bay of Rainy Lake this fall and park staff are cautioning residents and visitors that these blooms can, at times, contain toxins which can be both a drinking water and recreational contact concern. Blue-green algae can be harmful to both humans and animals. According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) people and pets can become sick after they swim, boat, water ski, or bathe in water that has toxic blue-green algae. During these activities people are exposed to the toxins by swallowing or having skin contact with water or by breathing in tiny droplets of water in the air. Dogs can be particularly at risk, as they are more likely to wade in the areas of a lake where algal scum accumulates and humans avoid. For questions regarding blue-green algae blooms, symptoms, and precautions visit the MPCA website at https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news/blue-green-algae-if-doubt-stay-out-1 or call the MPCA at 1-800-657-3864 and ask for specialists in blue-green algae. |
Last updated: October 6, 2016