Health‐Risks Assessment of Dinghy Sailing in Avon and Exposure to Cyanobacteria (Blue‐Green Algae)

ABSTRACT In 1990, the health hazards associated with cyanobacteria attracted widespread interest. In this study, the risks associated with dinghy sailing on two water reservoirs in Avon were examined when the National Rivers Authority concentration threshold for ‘a potential to cause harm’was exceeded at one of these sites. No unusual illnesses were identified and the patterns of reported minor health symptoms were similar at each site. These patterns were also similar to those found amongst freshwater dinghy sailors in Hampshire when the NRA cyanobacteria threshold was exceeded, and similar to patterns of minor morbidity identified amongst dinghy sailors in marine waters when the EC bathing water quality standards are met. The consistency of these findings from three different studies suggests that present Royal Yachting Association guidelines for dinghy sailors are adequate to safeguard their health from cyanobacteria exposure.