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Dangerous levels of blue-green algae prompt warnings across the Central West

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Bright green algae swirling in a dam.
Blue-green algae can have serious health impacts if swallowed. (Supplied: Visit Bathurst NSW)

Red alerts for blue-green algae have been issued for several dams across the Central West in the past month. 

People have been advised to avoid recreational activities, including swimming, waterskiing and canoeing, at dams where a red alert has been issued.

So just how great is the risk? 

Dr Grant Douglas is a Senior Principal Research Scientist in the CSIRO's Contaminants and Biotechnology Program. He caught up with Alex James. 

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