Research continues to point to blue-green algae toxins as a trigger for neurological diseases, with motor neurone disease under increased investigation.
Fears in Menindee reflect those of people in Griffith in central NSW, where the incidence of MND is seven times higher than the national average, according to recent research.
The common link between the towns is proximity to a water source that is frequently beset by outbreaks of blue-green algae."There are so many theories. The fact is we just don't know what causes or triggers MND," he said.Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are the oldest living organisms on the planet precisely because they are good at out-competing others by releasing toxins.
Scientists say while there is a link between BMAA and MND, more research is needed to determine the risk associated with exposureDr Ken Rodgers from the Neurotoxin Research Group at the University of Technology Sydney specialises in environmental neurotoxins and how they interfere with the body's functions.
"I think people should be worried. I get contacted regularly by people who have MND and have had obvious exposure to cyanobacteria," Dr Rodgers said.
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