Algal Blooms and Human Health

  Hello everyone, I’m thankful to you for following this blog. This has been a journey to learn about the important environmental issue of harmful algal blooms that impact our environment, health, animals, and drinking water supply. While it may seem like a formidable crisis that is increasing in severity and occurrence. It is however possible to control this issue as suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As an individual effort in your home, choose detergents/soaps that are phosphate free to reduce the excess phosphates that will runoff into bodies of water. Ensure that washing machines and dishwashers are run with a full load to help cut down on unnecessary soap runoff ( What You Can Do: In Your Home , 2022). Pet waste left behind will be added to the runoff and end up in the drains during storms, this waste also contains fertilizer-like nutrients resulting in overgrowth of algae, make sure to pick up after pets. Septic systems should be properly maintained to...

  On the national level, Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) are being tackled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA is researching and collecting data in response to The Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Act passed in 1998. This law was passed after recognizing that further research was needed to understand the causes and impacts of algal blooms in water. EPA sought to monitor the sources causing HABs and reported the results to congress (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1998). The law has been amended a few times but continues to help tackle this important environmental health issue. EPA collaborates with regional task forces and federal agencies such as United States Department of Agriculture to control the excess nutrients in waterways. They work to raise public awareness about HABs as well as conduct surveillance to collect data outlining health impacts. The One Health Harmful Algal Bloom System (OHHABS) is created by EPA to promote awa...