Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a major environmental problem in all 50 states. Red tides, blue-green algae, and cyanobacteria are examples of harmful algal blooms that can have severe impacts on human health, aquatic ecosystems, and the economy.

What are harmful algal blooms?

Harmful algal blooms are overgrowths of algae in water. Some produce dangerous toxins in fresh or marine water but even nontoxic blooms hurt the environment and local economies.

What are the effects of harmful algal blooms?

Harmful algal blooms can:

• Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals
• Create dead zones in the water
• Raise treatment costs for drinking water
• Hurt industries that depend on clean water

Attogene produces kits to detect dangerous toxins produced by HABs enabling rapid monitoring and action to be taken in an event of a bloom-

Several very helpful links to information relating to HABs:

https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/harmful-algal-blooms