Anyone visiting Lake Erie over the last few summers has seen it–that thick, green algae floating over large stretches of the lake's coastline. Although people aren't likely to lean over their boat, take a glassful, and drink it, many may not realize that they could be drinking small amounts of the toxins the alga produces in their daily water supply.
Microcystis, a form of blue-green algae which occur in Lake Erie during the warm summer months, generate toxins called microcystins that can be harmful to humans and animals. When consumed or in contact with skin, the potent toxins in the water can cause such health problems as nausea, liver damage, or in extreme cases, death. Because of these concerns, the World Health Organization has set safe drinking levels for the toxin and the USEPA has added it to its drinking water contaminant list.
