Identifying Cyanotoxins and Other Harmful Algal Toxins

This past May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced it would start a new study in Florida during the 2021 algal bloom season to assess the health effects of exposure to cyanotoxins in the air. Called the Cyanotoxins in Air Study (CAST), the study will look at exposures to cyanotoxins among people who live or work near the Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie River, Caloosahatchee River, and the Cape Coral Canals.

According to the agency, previous research and personal reports show that people exposed to cyanotoxins in the air may experience symptoms of upper respiratory irritation. These could include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.

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 that can be harmful to humans and animals.

“The warm summer months are when water temperatures rise and harmful algal blooms (HABs) are most common,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “HABs are likely to occur even more frequently in a warming global environment, this is one of the reasons the CDC has described them as an emerging public health issue impacting millions of Americans. EMSL’s laboratories are regularly called upon by environmental professionals, operators of aquatic facilities, and those in charge of water quality to detect HABs, cyanotoxins, and other microbial or chemical concerns. These services include algal identification, algal biomass analysis, and various algal toxin tests from water, air, and soil samples.”

EMSL 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