Florida may get much of the attention when it comes to toxic algae, but toxic algae are actually a problem in all 50 states. The nationwide issue can affect everything from ruining your vacation plans to making you sick. For this reason, toxic algae affect not only ecosystems but also human health and the economy.

Toxic algae affect plant life, aquatic life, animal life and other forms of life when they come into contact with it, causing death. If you are near water that appears murky, green or smelly, then keep away and make sure that small children and pets don’t drink the water and become ill. You can also get sick from toxic algae through external contact, which is why it is important not wade or swim in toxic algae. If the outbreak of toxic algae is severe enough, then local economies can suffer from a lack of tourism visiting the area.