00:43 Toxic Algae in Florida Spreads from Water to Air Meteorologist Ari Sarsalari explains how toxic blue, green algae that's been clogging Florida waterways is now created problems in the air as well.

Toxins from the blue-green algae blooms choking Florida waterways have now been found in the air, as well, officials say.

Tests conducted by authorities in Martin County revealed that the toxin microcystin is in the air at sites along the St. Lucie River, which is coated with thick clumps of algae blooms. The blooms themselves contain toxic levels “I never dreamed we’d see,” county ecosystem manager Deborah Drum told the TC Palm.

According to the report, the air was tested for hydrogen sulfide, species of algae, levels of toxin present and particles that could be inhaled. Water quality samples were also collected at two sites for algae species and toxin levels.

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They found evidence of hydrogen sulfide and water and airborne toxins at concerning levels. The report noted that the amount of hydrogen sulfide found may “be intolerable for individuals with respiratory conditions and asthmatics.”

Microcystin can cause nausea and vomiting if ingested and symptoms of rash or hay fever if touched or inhaled. Drinking water that contains the toxins can cause long-term liver disease.

Levels of the toxin were identified in the air, indicating that toxins can become airborne when agitated. However, there are currently “no set standards for inhalation risk by any federal, state or local regulatory agency,” the report noted.

The water was also tested for microcystin.

“The water results indicate extremely high levels of microcystin toxins in the accumulated algae areas, reported at 100-1000 times higher than the recreational guidance levels of 10 micrograms/liter,” wrote officials. These levels present a significant health threat upon direct exposure or ingestion.

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Particles that could be inhaled were found in the air within expected levels for outdoor environments, however, officials said “increased particle concentrations measured by water pump discharge associated with algae removal technologies suggest that further study should be performed to determine what impact this may have on human, animal exposure and/or the environment."

The samples were collected by Enviro Team North America in four areas where algae has accumulated in high densities, which consisted of two residential sites in Rio and North River Shores and two commercial sites in Rio. The test sites included the Central Marine and Outboards Only marinas.

At Outboards Only, co-owner Phil Norman told WPTV the algae was so bad his employees were unable to work .

“It was very bad,” said Norman. “You couldn’t work here. You couldn’t do anything.”

The county also found traces of hydrogen sulfide in the air around the blooms at levels that could be intolerable for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

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Hydrogen sulfide is the cause of the “rotten egg” smell of decomposing algae and seaweed. Breathing it in can irritate the eyes, nose or throat. At high levels, it can cause headaches, poor memory, fatigue and balance problems.

“Our takeaway is the people need to stay away from areas where blue-green algae has accumulated," said Drum.

This task may be easier to complete now, as thick chunks of algae have already been cleared from Central Marina.

“It’s a whole lot better,” marina manager Mary Radabaugh told WPTV. “With the full moon bringing the tides in, it gave us a flush, and I believe with the lessening of the water flow, it has also helped.”

Blue-green algae has been reported in Martin County waterways since May 2016 .

Officials remind residents that they should avoid contact with algae blooms and stay out of waters where it’s present.

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