According to the samples taken by the Health Board, there is a large amount of blue-green algae growing on the beach of Paralepa, three of them are potentially toxic species and one that can cause skin irritation in large quantities.
Due to toxic algae, a purple flag is flying on the beaches of Paralepa and Vasikaholm, which warns bathers about the pollution spreading in the water. Additional information is for clarification: dangerous algae. Also, both beaches have warning signs up saying that the bathing water can cause rashes.
According to Lea Kiis, senior inspector of the Board of Health, when samples were taken on Thursday, algae was visible to the naked eye and the water smelled typical of blue-green algae.
Wash after swimming
Swimming on the beaches is not directly prohibited, but a possible rash must be taken into account. “A person still has to see for himself where he is going to swim,” said Kiis. He reminded that after swimming in the sea, it is always worth washing yourself with fresh water, because the rash can also occur without blue-green algae, and seawater should not be swallowed.
In order for blue-green algae to grow, warm, nutrient-rich water and calm weather are needed. According to Kiisi, the torrential rain that fell on Thursday could have moved the algae pool away from Haapsalu, but it could also have brought more of it here.
It is not yet known how long the purple flags will remain flying on the beaches. According to Kiis, the G4S coastguards also monitor the cleanliness of the seawater, and when the water is clear, they raise another flag.
Blue-green algae blooms are encouraged by warm weather and warm seawater, as is the case now. At 15:00 yesterday, the air temperature at Paralepa and Vasikaholm beach was 23 degrees and the water temperature was 25 degrees. Based on satellite data, the entire Gulf of Finland is currently full of blue-green algae. “They are in inland waters and in the sea,” said Kiis.
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2024-07-26 17:16:44
#Toxic #algae #growing #beaches #Haapsalu
