Blue-Green algae alert

Published

30th July 2018

Visitors to Lower Stobsmuir Pond in Dundee have been warned to avoid contact with the water.

Recent sampling has identified high levels of blue-green algae and until the all clear is given people are being asked to avoid contact with the water and keep their pets away.

When in high concentrations in the water this naturally occurring algae can multiply to cause algal blooms which may then release toxins. The behaviour of algae is erratic and the levels of its toxicity can fluctuate. It can appear one day, be dispersed by the wind and re-accumulate at any time.

Contact with algal scum or water close to it can cause skin rashes. More serious health effects can include stomach upsets, eye irritations and pain in muscles and joints. These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases can be severe.

If anyone has been in contact with the water and experiences health problems they should contact their GP or else NHS 24 on 111.

Notices have been posted at the pond..

Dundee City Council's Neighbourhood Services can provide further information on the algae on 433710.

Dundee City Council

Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.

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