Public health guidance for cyanobacteria
Version 1

Background

Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) are microscopic organisms found in inland and inshore waters. Many cyanobacterial species can produce potent toxins (cyanotoxins).

Cyanobacteria can multiply quickly in warm, nutrient-rich environments, creating blooms, mats and scums. This can lead to increased concentrations of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins. Exposure to these toxins can have adverse effects on human and animal health.

About this guidance

This guidance provides updated information on the public health risks associated with cyanobacteria. It provides background information about cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins and the occurrence of cyanobacterial incidents in Scotland. 

This guidance recommends each NHS board area should make a local action plan in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

Considerations in local action plans should include:

• water body risk assessments for cyanobacteria
• monitoring
• communication
• thresholds for action and control measures for different types of waterbodies (e.g. recreational, drinking water – including considerations for haemodialysis – and food production).

This guidance also advises on surveillance and approaches for investigating public health incidents possibly associated with cyanobacteria. An editable cyanobacteria risk assessment template is available on this page to download.

Information about the roles and responsibilities of relevant agencies is included.

Previous guidance

The previous version of this guidance publication is available on our archive website.

Who this guidance is for

This guidance is for health protection professionals. Other people who require advice should contact their local health protection team.