A water treatment plant in Ohio has been confirmed positive for microcystin contamination prompting authorities to warn people against drinking tap water, eventually resulting to the governor's declaration of a state of emergency in three counties last Saturday.
Los Angeles Times released the report, as relayed to them by the state officials. According to them, Governor John Kasich has issued a declaration of state of emergency in the following counties: Fulton, Lucas and Wood.
According to Los Angeles Times, Heidi Griesmer, an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency spokesperson, has identified the Collins Water Treatment Plant as the plant confirmed to have microcystin contamination. Water samples were already taken to different laboratories for thorough examination and study. However, officials have not yet said anything about when the water will ever be deemed safe for drinking or if this would be possible.
A water confirmed to be positive for microcystin contamination can pose serious health risks, particularly damages to the liver and kidney, due to the microcystin toxin.
Cyanobacteria, typically an innocuous blue-green algae, is responsible for producing it. According to the Iowa Department of Health, its algae blooms do not often produce harmful byproducts that could endanger humans and animals.
But the one found in the Collins Treatment Plant are the most troublesome toxin from the cyanobacteria blooms. If taken in huge amounts, it could put the liver at serious risk. The toxin is also an eye, skin and throat irritant. People who have ingested the contaminated liquid will also suffer from diarrhea, dizziness and nausea, various medical advisories have warned.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency site, in light of the declaration, the water supply in Toledo has not been discontinued. On top of advising residents to avoid drinking tap water, authorities have also cautioned them against boiling the water. Accordingly, the heat aggravates the potency of the toxins instead of weakening it.
