Ministry Calls for Caution First Blue Algae in the Saar
The State Office for Environmental and Occupational Safety has detected cyanobacteria, so-called blue algae, in large quantities along the Saar. Blue algae form blue-green shimmering mats in slow-flowing water areas. They can produce substances that are harmful to health.
Blue algae are bacteria that can be found everywhere in bodies of water. In normal concentrations, they are harmless, but when they multiply massively during hot summers, caution is advised. Direct contact with cyanobacteria can cause skin, mucous membrane, or eye irritation. Cyanobacteria populations consist of various genotypes, some of which produce toxins, while others do not.
The concentrations of blue algae vary along the Saar in Saarland. Concentrations have been measured that would fall within the warning level for a bathing water. These blue algae blooms can increase significantly in the coming days with prolonged warm weather. However, since the Saar is a shipping route and not a bathing water, the risk of humans or animals coming into contact with it is very low. Drinking or swallowing the water should be avoided, this applies to both humans and pets.
