New EPA Fact Sheet with National Recreational Water Quality Recommendations Released

In May, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published Recommended Human Health Recreational Ambient Water Quality Criteria or Swimming Advisories for Microcystins and Cylindrospermopsin. The new fact sheet reflects the agency’s latest scientific knowledge on the potential human health effects from recreational exposure to these two cyanotoxins.

Cyanotoxins are produced by cyanobacteria, known by most as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are naturally-occurring photosynthetic bacteria found in freshwater and marine ecosystems. As it multiplies, cyanobacteria can produce toxic compounds that are known as cyanotoxins. Microcystins and cylindrospermopsin are two of these toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

“During a harmful algal bloom (HAB), the EPA reports that toxin concentrations can rapidly increase and may become elevated before a visible bloom is even observed,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The agency’s recommendations are intended as guidance to states, territories and authorized tribes to consider when developing water quality standards. They are based on what is considered to be protective of human health in recreational waters, factoring in three components - magnitude, duration and frequency. The recommended magnitude is 8 µg/L for microcystins and 15 µg/L for cylindrospermopsin.”

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. help environmental professionals, operators of aquatic facilities and those in charge of water quality to detect HABs, cyanotoxins and other environmental concerns. They offer algal identification, algal biomass analysis and various algal toxins testing for water, air and soil samples. The toxins include, but are not limited to microcystins, cylindrospermopsin, anatoxin-a, saxitoxin and brevetoxin. EMSL also provides aquatic testing for a wide range of other microorganisms and chemical contaminants.

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

To learn more about harmful algal blooms and microbial or chemical testing services, 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 with over 46 locations 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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