Blue green algae detected in St. Charles Lake: Sudbury health unit

A secondlake in Sudbury, Ont has tested positive for blue green algae this summer.

Water samples taken by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change show the bacteria in St. Charles Lake, in the south end of the city.

The Sudbury and District Health Unit says the highest concentration of the toxin is in the blooms and in scum found on the shoreline.

Blue green algae blooms could also appear in other parts of the waterwayor move around through wind and water action said the health unit in a news release.

The health unit warns that theblooms look like pea soup and give off foul odour. Because of the potential for toxins residents should avoid using or drinking water from areas where blooms are visible.

Algae toxins irritate the skin andif ingested, could cause diarrhea and/or vomiting.If a person ingests high levels of toxin, they could suffer liver and nervous system damage.

The Sudbury health unit foundblue green algae on Whitson Lake,last week.