North Carolina state officials have warned people to steer clear of "potentially harmful" algal blooms that have popped up as a result of the state's hot weather.
The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources is working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to investigate the effects of these blooms, the N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources reported.
Algal and water samples taken from three areas are being analyzed at the Division of Water Resources lab and the results should be in by the end of the week.
"While it is safe to boat or fish in the affected areas, health officials routinely encourage the public to avoid contact with large accumulations of the algae and to take precautions to prevent children and pets from swimming or ingesting water in an algal bloom. North Carolina has had no reports of adverse health effects in humans associated with freshwater algal blooms," the administration stated.
The blooms were spotted near ocean piers at Topsail Island, but have now moved offshore. There have also been reports of the possibly dangerous blooms at Lake Tabor, officials have posted a precautionary swimming advisory until the water has been thoroughly tested. On Wednesday the Division of Water Resources investigated a bloom on Cape Fear River.
Algae is usually beneficial to aquatic animals, but when hot temperatures combine with nutrient-rich waters large algal blooms with toxic qualities can form. These blooms can reduce the amount of oxygen available to fish and other aquatic creatures, causing major kills.
In order to protect children and pets from the potentially harmful effects officials recommend the following steps: keep children and pets away from green, scummy water; do not handle algae; do not handle or cook dead fish; wash thoroughly after coming into contact with a large bloom; seek medical care immediately if you child looks ill; seek immediate veterinary care if your pet appears to stagger or collapse after swimming in a pond.
For more information click here.
