Dermatologist Vasilieva explained why it is dangerous to swim in blooming water bodies.

      June 13, 2026 14:30 Society Due to abnormally hot weather, water bodies have started to bloom two to three weeks earlier than usual. The water in them has acquired a rich green color and an unpleasant smell of hydrogen sulfide. Swimming in blooming water bodies can lead to serious health problems. Medical science candidate, dermatologist and venereologist Ekaterina Vasilieva explained in an interview with 360.ru why it is important to avoid contact with such water and who should be particularly cautious.

      Cyanobacteria, which cause water blooms, produce cyanotoxins—some of the most potent natural poisons. These toxins can harm the liver, nervous system, and the entire body. Accidental ingestion of even a small amount of green water can result in vomiting, nausea, headache, muscle weakness, high fever, and other poisoning symptoms. In some cases, this can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, kidney failure, and even death. The elderly, children, and people with open wounds are particularly vulnerable.

      Skin contact with blooming water can cause itching, redness, and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and groin area. Usually, these symptoms pass within 1-2 days. However, at high concentrations of toxins, chemical burns may occur, accompanied by the appearance of blisters.

      It is important to note that cyanotoxins are not destroyed by boiling and are not removed by regular household cleaning agents. Therefore, water from blooming water bodies should not be used for drinking, cooking, or watering edible plants.

      Water blooming also promotes the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, such as E. coli, salmonella, and shigella. Infection with these bacteria can lead to diarrhea, gastroenteritis, salmonellosis, and dysentery. Symptoms of these diseases include vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes require hospitalization.

      In addition, viruses such as hepatitis A, which is resistant to water and transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated liquid, may also be present in blooming water. Protozoan microorganisms, such as Giardia, which cause prolonged intestinal disorders, especially dangerous for children, can also inhabit such water bodies.

      Water blooming can negatively affect the immune system. The toxins present in the water damage the liver, which is the main detoxification organ. If the liver is overloaded, it cannot cope with the elimination of toxins, leading to inflammation and reduced immunity.

      Doctor Ekaterina Vasilieva recommends avoiding swimming in blooming water bodies, especially for the following categories of people:

       Pregnant women, as cyanotoxins can cross the placenta and harm the child.

       Asthmatics and allergy sufferers, as contact with toxins can exacerbate diseases.

       People with chronic liver and kidney diseases, as their bodies may be less resilient to the effects of toxins.

       Children, who are particularly susceptible to dehydration from poisoning. Swimming in green water can weaken their immunity and increase the risk of developing allergic reactions and frequent illnesses in the future.

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