Lake Winnipeg Algae Toxic if Inhaled

Inhaling airborne blue-green algae, found in Lake Winnipeg, lakes in southern and central Manitoba, and dozens of lakes in Quebec, is toxic and can cause potentially serious health effects according to a recent study. The green film, also known as cyanobacteria, can become airborne when swimmers splash around in the water, and inhaling or swallowing the algae is linked to problems ranging from vomiting and fever to liver or brain damage and, in extreme cases, death. (CBC.CA Jul20/07 | Jul29/07)