The Sudbury & District Health Unit received an advice from the Ministry of the Environment to remain beware of blue-green algae. The samples taken on August 26 from the French River in Dry Pine Bay have tested positive for blue-green algae or cyanobacteria. The samples have a species of cyanobacteria that can produce poison.

Blue-green algal blooms could also spreads to other part of the lake because they are not anchored. They can move from one place to another because of wind and water action and new blooms can also be formed.

Blue-green algal blooms have bad smell, and can also produce toxins. Residents on the lake should search for blooms in their area and should not use and drink water from the area where blooms are seen. Blooms and scum on the shoreline contain maximum toxins.

Algae toxins can irritate a person's skin and if ingested then it can cause diarrhea and vomiting. If high level of toxin is ingested, it can damage liver and the nervous system.

The health unit has advised people to look for algal blooms. If it is seen near property or water intake line, then people should keep these things in mind:

1. Don't use water for drinking, bathing or shower.

2. Don't allow children, pets to swim in the bloom.

3. Water should not be boiled but treated with a disinfectant like bleach if the algae cells get opened, which adds more toxins into the water.

4. Try not to cook with the water because food may absorb toxins at the time of cooking.

5. If there is a plan to eat fish and it is caught in water where blue-green algal blooms take place, then don't eat the liver, kidneys and other organs of the fish.