THE STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IS WARNING THE PUBLIC TO LOOK OUT FOR BLUE-GREEN ALGAE IN ILLINOIS LAKES AND RIVERS.

AS TEMPERATURES RISE, THE I-E-P-A IS STARTING TO SEE MORE OF THE ALGAE SAYS SPOKESPERSON KIM BIGGS. LARGE GROWTHS OR "BLOOMS" ARE TYPICALLY HARMLESS BUT CAN PRODUCE TOXIC CHEMICALS THAT ARE HARMFUL TO PEOPLE AND PETS.

BIGGS EXPLAINS HOW TO SPOT THE BLOOMS:

SYMPTOMS OF EXPOSURE INCLUDE RASHES, HIVES, DIARRHEA, COUGHING AND VOMITTING. BIGGS SAYS THESE ALGAL BLOOMS TYPICALLY LOOK LIKE SPILLED BLUE-GREEN PAINT IN THE WATER OR LIKE SCUM OR FILTER OVER THE WATER.