Opinion: Confronting cyanobacteria: Ensuring safety in New Hampshire’s waters

Mindi Messmer lives in Rye.

The state monitors and publishes the results of cyanobacteria testing at recreational swimming locations in New Hampshire. Public warning signs are posted when results exceed recommended exposure limits for children, adults, and animals. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are free-floating microscopic organisms that release toxins as they degrade. Increased fertilizer use and climate warming trends contribute to the growth of these toxic blue-green algae.

When humans come into contact with cyanotoxins while swimming or boating, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that these toxins may “cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, respiratory symptoms, gastroenteritis, and liver and kidney failure or death.” People can be exposed by inhaling aerosolized toxins, consuming contaminated fish, or drinking contaminated water. Additionally, these toxins can be harmful to dogs and other animals.

Cyanotoxin exposure has also been linked to debilitating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to the gradual loss of muscle control and ultimately impacting the ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. ALS is commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, named after the famous baseball player who was diagnosed with the condition. Cyanotoxin exposure is suspected to have contributed to clusters of ALS cases in Enfield, as well as in areas near Lake Champlain in Vermont and Northern Italy.

Given the overwhelming scientific evidence regarding the dangers of exposure to cyanotoxins, it is disheartening that Gov. Sununu criticized the state environmental agency’s precautionary public health notices concerning cyanobacteria blooms on Lake Winnipesaukee. The governor claimed during a public meeting that cyanobacteria are not toxic and described the agency’s messaging as “needlessly scaring people.” The cyanobacteria warnings have now been removed from the Department of Environmental Services website.

However, the science is clear: the public deserves to be informed about the risks associated with elevated levels of toxic blue-green algae, which can pose a threat to vulnerable individuals, including children, adults, and animals. Concealing this information undermines public trust and contradicts the expectations people have of the institutions tasked with protecting them.