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Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) in Inland Waters: Assessment and Control of Risks to Public Health
1 Introduction
1.1 This report provides guidance to Directors of Public Health, to Heads of Environmental Health in local authorities and to others in Scotland on possible risks to public health of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in inland waters. The guidance, prepared by a Working Group established by the Scottish Executive Health Department, replaces that given in 'Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) Interim Guidance' published by the Scottish Home and Health Department in 1994. It takes account of current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance summarised in 'Toxic cyanobacteria in water. A guide to their public health consequences, monitoring and management' (eds I Chorus and J Bartram) published in 1999 by E&FN Spon, London, on behalf of the WHO.
1.2 The remit of the Working Group was:
i. to review previous guidance in the context of advances in scientific knowledge and, in particular, to consider the implications for the public of exposure during recreation and work and of exposure from food and water;
ii. to review previous guidance on monitoring and risk assessment in the context of recent experience in Scotland and elsewhere; and
iii. to provide further guidance.
1.3 The membership of the Working Group is given in Annex A.
1.4 This document will be updated every five years. It is accepted, therefore, that while certain details (such as contact details in Annex C) are correct at the time of issue, they are subject to obsolescence during this period.
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