Lake St. Clair algae bloom tests safe, but health unit urges caution

The blue-green algae bloom in Lake St. Clair has been tested and deemed safe, but the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is warning residents to remain cautious.

The health unit alerted the public to the bloom last week, and said Tuesday that testing for the bloom has come back within levels deemed safe.

These types of algae blooms can produce a toxin that is harmful to humans. The health unit says testing determines if the bloom was producing toxins at the time a sample was taken, but negative results or testing within the accepted limits "doesn't mean the bloom cannot be harmful."

"Blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to different environmental factors," the health unit said in a statement.

Residents are advised to avoid contact with discoloured water or water with scum on the surface. If you are in contact, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any potentially harmful substances.

Residents who live in an area where an algae bloom is present should not drink or use the water for food or infant formula preparation, and instead use another safe source of drinking water, including bottled water, for the duration of the bloom.

Boiling the water before drinking will not destroy the toxin and could increase the risk, the health unit warned.

People, including kids and pets, should also avoid swimming or playing in water where a blue-green algae bloom is present as "if the level of toxin is high, they may suffer serious health risks including death."