THUNDER BAY — Ontario's environment ministry is expected to release the results of laboratory tests on blue-green algae discovered at Icarus Lake within the next few days.
A water sample from the lake, 120 kilometres west of Thunder Bay in the Northern Light Lake area, was collected on Aug. 25.
The lab analysis will show whether the algae contained harmful toxins.
Test results are also still pending on algae found in the northwest section of Lower Shebandowan Lake on Aug. 23.
Results were negative for toxins in blue-green algae discovered at Hawkeye Lake on Aug. 21.
However, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit cautions the public that water containing blue-green algae should be avoided for about two weeks after an algae bloom has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results.
It's because blue-green algae "can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions," TBDHU stated in an advisory.
Blooms can make lake water take on the appearance of green pea soup or turquoise paint.
Some blue-green algae blooms produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed or inhaled, or even from skin contact.
