Concerns over safety of sea lettuce

The substance has been a familiar sight in the summer months in Jersey for many years. Credit: ITV Channel TV

There are fresh concerns about the safety of sea lettuce, after two deaths in Northern France have been blamed on the substance.

Fears were raised about possible Hydrogen Sulphide poisoning caused by decomposing sea lettuce.

It is thought the fumes from the rotting weed caused heart attacks in two men in Brittany, although the link has not been proven at this stage.

The substance has been a familiar sight in the summer months in Jersey for many years, covering most of St Aubin's Bay.

Health officials say the immediate health risk is low in Jersey, as the States regularly clears it away, so it does not have chance to rot. However, they would be prepared to close beaches if they believed people could be harmed.

For environmentalists, it is not just about solving the problem by removing it from the beaches, but also preventing the build up.

Becky Lancashire looks at how safe sea lettuce is in Jersey: