Toxic algal outbreaks are a threat to our children’s health. Partly a consequence of climate change, these outbreaks are also a sign of inadequate and outdated water infrastructure and improper land management. ANHE and our friends at the Children’s Environmental Health Network are working together to highlight how these outbreaks are impacting citizens in states impacted whose waterways and drinking water has been negatively impacted by these more and more frequent and severe outbreaks that we’re seeing with climate change
Algae blooms, also known as cyanobacteria, produce carcinogenic toxins that can be harmful if absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or swallowed.
Toxic algae contaminates the water our children drink, causing asthma like symptoms and possibly exposing them to carcinogenic toxins. Across the country, several communities are without the necessary resources to upgrade their water infrastructure and protect their businesses, their environment, and their health.
Our elected officials must recognize the unceasing public health threat that algae outbreaks pose and invest in real solutions to reduce the agricultural runoff that invades our waterways and puts our communities at risk.
We are calling on Congress to act now to #StopToxicAlgae. We all deserve access to clean water free from toxic algae!
Join us and write your member of Congress today!
Ohio Voices from the Community
Mrs. Trudie Neely, Principal at Rogers High School, Toledo, OH
Toledo and communities across the country need adequate resources to address the public health threat that toxic algae outbreaks pose. When communities can’t access clean water, families suffer. Schools suffer. In 2014, a #ToxicAlgae crisis left more than 400,000 Toledo residents without safe drinking water. Join Trudie and call on Congress to stand up for families and invest in solutions to this public health threat
Joseph Smith, Founder of Mud Athletics, Toledo, OH
Joseph’s story is proof that communities can show resilience when faced with devastating crises, but still shows that many communities are not prepared for the impact of #ToxicAlgae. Congress must invest in real solutions to get at the root of this problem.
Alexis Smith, Junction Coalition Restorative Justice Director, Toledo, OH
Too many communities are like Alexis’– driven into a state of panic because of a lack of clean water. Congress must act now to restore peace of mind to vulnerable communities.
John Jones, Pastor, Toledo, OH
Pastors like John Jones should never have to worry about their congregations having access to safe drinking water. Congress must recognize the public health threat #ToxicAlgae outbreaks pose and invest in real solutions to get at the root of this problem.
Stefania Czech, City Council Candidate, Toledo, OH
The lack of clean water was so bad in Toledo, Stefania, a single mother, started studying environmental science and is now running for city council. Her story is inspiring, but it shows just how little Congress had done to invest in real solutions to the threat of #ToxicAlgae for communities like Toledo. Congress must act to #StopToxicAlgae and restore peace of mind for vulnerable communities.
