New York State Harmful Blue-Green Algae Blooms (HABs) and Health: The Know It! Avoid It! Report It! Response

Overview

People and animals should avoid contact with harmful blue-green algae blooms (HABs). Exposure to HABs can cause negative health effects in people and animals when water with blooms is touched, swallowed or when airborne droplets are inhaled. Exposure to high levels of HABs and their toxins can cause diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, skin, eye or throat irritation and allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.

New York State and local governments have implemented effective response programs for managing risk at public bathing beaches and public water supplies, but work remains to communicate risks and promote appropriate responses in unregulated settings.

This webcast will review the tools and resources available to key partners and stakeholders, including watershed associations, healthcare providers and veterinarians, local health departments and other government officials and community-based organizations so that they can consistently and accurately educate people about the health risks of HAB exposure and strategies to avoid HABs.

Target Audience 

Public health professionals, environmental professionals, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, local health department staff and other medical and public health professionals.