Mysterious Orange Goo Washes Ashore in Alaska: Do You Think It's Dangerous?

Scientists are baffled by a mysterious orange colored substance that washed ashore in the village of Kivalina, Alaska. Until they do more research, they are urging residents to beware.

So far, scientists have only been able to determine that the substance is not man-made and is not a petroleum substance. Emanuel Hignutt, analytical chemistry manager for Alaska's Environmental Health Laboratory, said, "There doesn't appear to be any evidence of a release of oil or hazardous substances at this time, but we're continuing to investigate and trying to get lab determinations on what exactly the material is." Samples of the substance have been sent to a lab in Anchorage for analysis.

The orange colored substance first washed ashore in Kivalina, but was later seen further inland and as far as 150 miles away in the Buckland River. It was even spotted on some roofs, where it had been blown by strong winds.

One possible theory is that the orange goo is some time of algae. However, until it is identified and ruled harmless, scientists have urged residents to avoid the substance and to boil their water before drinking it.

What do you think? Is the mysterious orange substance dangerous?