Beware Of Blue-Green Algae In Prospect Park Lake
Signs have been posted in Prospect Park warning visitors about a toxic green film covering the surface of Prospect Park Lake.
Called “blue-green algae,” (or cyanobacteria) the bacteria can cause Asthma-like symptoms if inhaled and gastrointestinal and neurological problems if ingested, ABC7NY reports.
Parents and dog-owners should take special precautions as the algae can cause a rash and irritate the eyes of children and pets. The Prospect Park Alliance website states that the Peninsula has been closed to dog swimming and instructs dog-owners to take their pooches to “Dog Beach” instead, where the algae has not been detected.
In case you, your kid, or your pet is exposed to the neon goo, the website says to rinse the exposed areas with clean water. Seek medical attention if you experience skin, eye, throat irritation or breathing difficulties, and if nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or fever occur.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the bacteria has bloomed in the park’s waters, according to DNA Info.
Prospect Park Alliance is working with NYC Parks and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to test the lake weekly as the algae continues to bloom during the summer months. Learn more about the algae and the park’s plans to clean the lake by creating a filtration system called, ecoWEIR, at prospect park.org.