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Airborne Toxins Detected At Worst Algae Sites

by (WMFE)

At Central Marine the algae exudes an overpowering smell. Photo by Amy Green

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Toxins have been detected in the air at four Treasure Coast sites where a toxic algae bloom has accumulated in high densities.

A contractor for Martin County tested sites for toxins in the air and water and also for hydrogen sulfide.

Results found the algae’s toxins can become airborne when the algae is agitated, although there are no government standards defining the risk of inhalation.

The water was determined to be extremely toxic. Hydrogen sulfide was identified at a level that could be intolerable for those with respiratory conditions.

The toxic algae bloom has gripped the southern Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River for several weeks. It is expected to linger through the summer.

 

 


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Amy Green

About Amy Green

Reporter and Producer

Amy Green covers the environment for WMFE News. She is an award-winning journalist whose extensive reporting on the Everglades is featured in the book MOVING WATER, published by Johns Hopkins University Press, and podcast DRAINED, available wherever you get your podcasts. Amy’s work has been heard on NPR and ... Read Full Bio »

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