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🇧🇪 Belgium /Health & Science

Blue-green algae pose health risks in Flemish waters

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Blue-green algae, actually cyanobacteria, are posing a health risk in Flemish waters, causing symptoms like skin rashes and gastrointestinal issues.
  • These bacteria can produce toxins, especially when they form a surface layer, potentially damaging the liver, kidneys, and nervous system in severe cases.
  • Warm, dry periods and climate change are increasing the frequency and earlier occurrence of these blooms, prompting advisories and potential recreational bans.

Swimmers and water sports enthusiasts in Flanders are being warned about the presence of blue-green algae, microscopic cyanobacteria that can contaminate local waters. Contact with these organisms can lead to various health problems, including skin rashes, itchy and red eyes, and gastrointestinal distress. In extreme cases, the toxins produced by these bacteria can cause severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system.

They are bacteria that look like algae and also photosynthesize.

— Veerle Van WoenselExplaining the nature of blue-green algae.

Veerle Van Woensel, spokesperson for the Flemish Environment Agency, clarified that blue-green algae are not true algae but bacteria that photosynthesize. "When they form a surface layer, they can be dangerous. Most blue-green algae are toxic to humans and animals," she explained. These bacteria, smaller than a millimeter, often leave a distinctive blue-green sheen on the water's surface. Ingesting contaminated water during swimming is a primary route of exposure.

When they form a surface layer, they can be dangerous. Most blue-green algae are toxic to humans and animals.

— Veerle Van WoenselDescribing the conditions under which blue-green algae become hazardous.

The concentration of toxins can become particularly high when the blue-green algae die off, a process often triggered by weather changes such as heavy rain, strong winds, and cooler temperatures. This poses a risk not only to swimmers but also to anglers and others engaging in water-based activities. Dogs are also vulnerable, especially when swimming with their mouths open.

Via skin contact, by ingesting water or by inhaling very small water droplets, you can come into contact with the poison.

— Veerle Van WoenselDetailing the various ways people can be exposed to the toxins.

Van Woensel noted that warm, dry periods, exacerbated by climate change, are contributing to more frequent and earlier occurrences of blue-green algae blooms. When blooms are detected, authorities may impose bans on water usage for agriculture and recreational activities. Residents are encouraged to check water quality online at www.kwaliteitzwemwater.be and report any sightings of blue-green algae to their local municipality or water management authority.

Warm, dry periods and climate change ensure that blue-green algae occur more often and earlier in the year.

— Veerle Van WoenselLinking the increase in blue-green algae blooms to environmental factors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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