Blue-green algae advisory on Little Pond lifted

Posted 11/13/18

Health advisories that were put in place for several bodies of water earlier this year have been lifted, while others remain in place, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM)

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Blue-green algae advisory on Little Pond lifted

Posted

Health advisories that were put in place for several bodies of water earlier this year have been lifted, while others remain in place, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) announced last week. Rhode Islanders had been advised to avoid contact and recreational activities on these bodies of water because of blue-green algae blooms. Blooms of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. The health advisories have been lifted on eight bodies of water including Little Pond behind Veterans Memorial Middle School. Advisories remain in effect for seven other bodies of water; none are in Warwick.

Contact with water containing blue-green algae can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and/or throat. Ingestion of water containing blue-green algal toxins can cause stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Other health effects, which are rarer, include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at greater risk than adults, due to their size and because they are more likely to drink contaminated water.

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