To ensure fish are safe to eat throughout the Park District, annual fish tissue toxin tests are performed at major Park District lakes. In the past few years, several dog deaths in California have been attributed to toxic algae poisoning. Exposure to toxic algae, either through ingestion or skin contact, can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal problems or, at high doses, serious illness or death, according to the California Department of Public Health. The most common blue-green algae toxins are Anatoxin-A, which impacts the nervous system, and Microcystin, which affects the liver. To date, blue-green algae blooms and toxins have been observed at all major Park District water bodies. Since 2014, the Park District has created a robust Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) monitoring program to help ensure safe recreation in our lakes. Another bloom was observed in Lake Chabot. Both blooms resulted in lake closures to swimming for a total of about nine weeks over the summer and fall. Two toxic blooms occurred in Lake Temescal in Oakland. Three incidents of toxic blooms were documented that year, most likely due to the drought. In 2014, the Park District had its first ever toxic algae bloom. Scientists do not know what causes the blue-green algae to become toxic. We do know that these blooms are increasing around the world. Certain conditions – low water levels, limited water circulation, increased temperature and light, among other factors – can cause blue-green algae to bloom and, in some cases, release toxins. Blue-Green Algae (also called cyanobacteria) are natural organisms that are present around the world in ocean and fresh water.
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