Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are blue-green algal blooms that contain toxins that can cause illness in humans and animals.

• Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Fact Sheet
  Frequently asked questions about blue-green algae and HABs including information about health effects and what you should do if you see a bloom.
  
  
• Causes and Symptoms of Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness
  HAB-related illness facts, including common symptoms and how people are exposed.
  
  
• Preventing Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness
  Learn how to minimize your risk of exposure to cyanotoxins.
  
  
• Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness in Animals
  Information about how animals are exposed to cyanotoxins, common symptoms, and preventative measures.
  
  
• Tools for Local Government Agencies
  Sample materials designed to assist local authorities with lake and beach advisories due to blue-green algae.
  
  
• Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness Information for Veterinarians
  Reporting information, symptoms, differential diagnoses, possible laboratory findings and more.

For additional information about blue-green algae and HABs:

• Health-Based Water Guidance for Microcystin
  Information about health-based rules and guidance for microcystin-LR in water.
• Blue-Green Algae and Harmful Algal Blooms
  MPCA; Information about HABs in Minnesota including pictures of what HABs look like.
• Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB)-Associated Illness
  CDC; Information about sources of exposure and risk factors, signs and symptoms of HAB-related illnesses, and prevention and controls measures.
• Harmful Algal Blooms
  EPA; Information about what HABs are, how to stay safe, and how to prevent HABs from forming.
• Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs)
  EPA; Information about cyanotoxins, including how to prevent, detect, mitigate, and treat them.