The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has revealed that a blue-green algae bloom may have adverse effects on the water quality along the shoreline in Leamington after it was formed in Lake Erie.

The unit has suggested Leamington residents to avoid swimming in the area if there is possibility of wind to move the algae bloom toward the shoreline. These blooms have the ability to make the water appear bluish-green. The most dangerous thing is that it may contain toxins that can have adverse effects on a person’s health.

Exposure to those toxins may experience itchy, irritated eyes and skin. Headaches, fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting could be caused as a result of swallowing the toxin in small quantities. There could be severe effects if large quantities of the toxin are swallowed.

The mass of blue-green algae is covering much of Lake Erie’s Western Basin. It has been reported that it is producing more toxin than the Ottawa County has ever seen.

Kelly Frey, Ottawa County sanitary engineer, said that it means that extra amount is being paid by operators of drinking water plants from Toledo to Marblehead to ensure that the toxin does not get into drinking water. The toxin is called as microcystin.