§ Baroness Masham of Iltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What dangers are posed to humans and livestock (including birds) by toxic blue-green algal blooms; and
What is the cause of toxic blue-green algal blooms in water, and whether they are taking any action to eradicate them.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Strathclyde)Blue-green algal blooms can occur in still freshwaters during the mid to late summer. Whilst factors determining their growth and toxicity are many and complex, the prevalence of long periods of calm, warm weather is one of the most significant. Illnesses experienced by recreational users who come into contact with blue-green algae can include skin rashes, vomiting and muscle pains. The toxin can be poisonous to animals and has been known to cause illness or death.
The National Rivers Authority published a wide-ranging report on the subject in 1990 following an extensive monitoring programme and is currently undertaking a major research programme into dealing with the algae. The NRA has also published public information leaflets containing advice from the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the dangers associated with blue-green algae.