CBS 13 • August 29, 2022
Toxic blue-green algae may have formed at the Twin Brook Recreational Facility in Cumberland, town officials said. Blue-green algae is a type of photosynthesizing bacteria called cyanobacteria. It exists in all Maine lakes but is harmless in low concentrations. However, when the population of this bacteria explodes during an algal bloom it can sometimes produce toxins that, when ingested, can kill dogs, according to Scott Williams, executive director of the Lake Stewards of Maine. It also can harm humans, causing nausea and skin rashes.