EASTHAMPTON — The city is advising people and their pets to avoid activities such as swimming, fishing and boating on Rubber Thread Pond due to the possible presence of toxic cyanobacteria.
Exposure to cyanobacteria algae blooms can cause various health issues: Contact with the algae can lead to eye and skin irritation, while ingestion can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and liver or neurological damage, depending on how much was ingested. Inhaling water spray from the algae can cause asthma-like symptoms.
The city’s Health Department identified the possible algae bloom and sent photos to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Toxicology Program, which agreed that the photos signify the pond may contain levels of cyanobacteria cells that exceed state guidelines for recreational bodies of water.
Rubber Thread Pond is located behind the 50 Payson Ave. parking lot and borders the Manhan Rail Trail.
Small children and animals are particularly vulnerable to the algae’s affects, and pets and livestock had died from ingesting the algae. People or animals who may have come into contact with the algae should rinse themselves or their pets with clean water immediately and call their doctor or veterinarian, the Health Department advises.
Cyanobacteria often causes bright green or blue-green water and appears as discoloration or a scum resembling pea soup or spilled paint, according to the Health Department, though color can vary.
The state Toxicology Program will conduct further testing on pond samples once the bloom appears to have cleared, and will advise rescinding the advisory once the city has received two acceptable samples taken one week apart.
Jacquelyn Voghel can be reached at jvoghel@gazettenet.com.