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Lake O algae bloom has low levels of toxicity

Posted at 11:43 AM, May 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-14 14:43:21-04

There are low levels of toxicity in the blue-algae bloom found in Lake Okeechobee, according to the South Florida Water Management District.

The district confirms that tests showed low levels of the toxin microcystis.

The Florida Department of Health will determine what the results mean for the health and safety of residents. The state has not released the findings on its own samples.

According to the Florida Department of Health website, exposure to high levels of blue algae toxins can affect the liver, nervous system, and skin.
Children and pets are more vulnerable than adults.

Thursday the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided not to suspend discharges from Lake Okeechobee into the St. Lucie River. The Army Corps said it was waiting on definitive lab results.