The waters around Spain's Canary Islands have seen blooms of a toxic microalgae, which has thrived on warmer sea temperatures and iron-rich dust clouds from the Sahara. While the phenomenon has been described as natural and temporary, tourists have been warned the algae contains a toxin which can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis. The Juan Aleman, director of public health for the the University of La Laguna, urged people to avoid contact with the algae.
The waters around Spain's Canary Islands have seen blooms of a toxic microalgae, which has thrived on warmer sea temperatures and iron-rich dust clouds from the Sahara. While the phenomenon has been described as natural and temporary, tourists have been warned the algae contains a toxin which can lead to skin irritation and dermatitis. The Juan Aleman, director of public health for the Canaries, urged people to avoid contact with the algae.