NIPIGON – The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) confirms that blue-green algae has been found approximately 80 kilometres north of Nipigon at Poplar Lodge Park.
TBDHU states that this water should be avoided whenever a bloom is present, and for about two weeks after it has gone away.
BGA are natural microscopic organisms which form in lakes and streams; however, they produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed, inhaled, or from skin contact.
When this happens, they can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
If contact with BGA occurs, wash with soap and water and rinse with clean water to remove the algae.
