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| Microcystin, a cyanotoxin |
There was a toxic algal bloom contaminating the waters in Utah lake in Salt Lake City. This algal bloom was caused by the increased levels of phosphorus being dumped into the water by seven companies. 330 individuals have presented with symptoms from exposure to toxic levels of cyanobacteria, and 100 ducks have been found dead. Symptoms in humans include: headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory problems, and skin irritations. Barbara Crouch, director of the Utah Poison Control Center has stated, "There is not a lot of human health information known about this." Currently the state is taking precautions and stopping the use of the contaminated water for irrigation of farmers' plants. Understandably this is causing some upheaval amongst the farmers but cross contamination into the drinking water and to food sources could potentially endanger hundreds of other individuals.
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