State Health Department Warns of the Dangers of Algal Blooms

Last month, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reminded citizens to be aware of potentially harmful algal blooms in the surface waters of the state’s rivers and lakes as the weather continues to warm.

According to the DHEC warning:

Algal blooms can look and smell bad and may cause the water to appear green, red, brown, or blue in color. Some algal blooms are formed by species that can produce toxins. When they contain toxins that affect the health of people, animals, and the environment, they are known as harmful algal blooms (HABs).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes HABs as the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria that can cause harm to people, animals, or the local ecology. Harmful algae or cyanobacteria can look like foam, scum, paint, or mats on the surface of water and can be different colors. These blooms can produce toxins that make people and animals sick.

“HABs occur not only in fresh water, but also in salt water environments, such as oceans or bays,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Red tides, blue-green algae, and cyanobacteria are all examples that can have a severe impact on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and even the economy. CDC has called HABs an emerging public health issue impacting millions of Americans all across the country. At EMSL Analytical, our network of laboratories help to protect people and businesses that depend on clean water. EMSL’s aquatic specialists provide a wide range of testing services, including algal identification, algal biomass analysis, and various algal toxins tests from water, air, and soil samples.”

EMSL Analytical has also sponsored an educational video about harmful algal blooms that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/JF8UnMJ84HU

To learn more about testing for harmful algal blooms, toxins, and other microbial or chemical pollutants, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com  or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail