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Domestic Well Water Quality in Alberta - Trace Elements

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or... More ≫

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or federal governments. The Government of Alberta along with Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides water chemistry testing of private well water and information and advice on safe water for domestic purposes; however, it is the responsibility of well owners to ensure the quality and safety of their water supply. Water quality may be impacted by contamination from natural sources or human activities and cause noticeable aesthetic issues or potential health concerns. Water samples are collected and submitted by well owners through local AHS sites for analysis of routine chemistry and trace element parameters. Routine chemistry testing focuses on the suitability of the water for drinking and household use with two health-related parameters. For trace elements, testing used to be conducted only when...

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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Swan Hills Treatment Center: PCBs and PCDD/F in wild game and fish tissue (1999-2014)

Description

The Swan Hills Treatment Centre (SHTC) is a facility for the safe disposal of special wastes located approximately 12 km northeast of the town of Swan Hills, AB. On October 16, 1996, a malfunction... More ≫

Description

The Swan Hills Treatment Centre (SHTC) is a facility for the safe disposal of special wastes located approximately 12 km northeast of the town of Swan Hills, AB. On October 16, 1996, a malfunction of a transformer furnace was discovered to have caused the release of a portion of process gases containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) into the ambient air. These chemicals can be harmful to human health. Therefore, in 1997 Alberta Health (AH) conducted a human health risk assessment study to estimate human exposure and to evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions. As a result of the study, food consumption advice for wild game and fish taken within a 30 km radius of the facility were issued out of concern that PCBs and PCDD/Fs were accumulating in these locally caught foods. A long-term environmental monitoring and human exposure assessment program has been ongoing since 1998 to monitor concentrations of...

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Multiple chemical sensitivity : literature review and state of the science : summary

Description

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, chronic health condition associated with numerous symptoms, linked to low-level exposure to one or more chemicals. Significant gaps exist in the... More ≫

Description

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, chronic health condition associated with numerous symptoms, linked to low-level exposure to one or more chemicals. Significant gaps exist in the scientific understanding of MCS. Variability in observed symptoms and subsequent clinical diagnoses limit the certainty of population prevalence estimates. Alberta Health commissioned a literature review from a consultancy in the fields of toxicology and environmental assessment to understand the current state of science related to MCS.

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Local Geographic Area Boundaries Alberta Health 2018

Description

This dataset contains Local Geographic Areas Boundaries and associated aggregations. This dataset was developed to help create maps using health data. The boundaries correspond to data summaries... More ≫

Description

This dataset contains Local Geographic Areas Boundaries and associated aggregations. This dataset was developed to help create maps using health data. The boundaries correspond to data summaries available in Applied Research and Evaluation Services. Local Geographic Areas Boundaries and associated aggregations are available in SHP format and are viewable on the Applied Research and Evaluation Services GIS Information Hub. Please refer to the Distribution Information to view or obtain the data.

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Multiple chemical sensitivity : literature review and state of the science

Description

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, chronic health condition associated with numerous symptoms, linked to low-level exposure to one or more chemicals. Significant gaps exist in the... More ≫

Description

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a complex, chronic health condition associated with numerous symptoms, linked to low-level exposure to one or more chemicals. Significant gaps exist in the scientific understanding of MCS. Variability in observed symptoms and subsequent clinical diagnoses limit the certainty of population prevalence estimates. Alberta Health commissioned a literature review from a consultancy in the fields of toxicology and environmental assessment to understand the current state of science related to MCS.

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Odour thresholds in emergency management : a jurisdictional review

Description

This report summarizes the use of odour thresholds in emergency situations in various jurisdictions, discusses the policy tools used to guide appropriate emergency response, and defines various... More ≫

Description

This report summarizes the use of odour thresholds in emergency situations in various jurisdictions, discusses the policy tools used to guide appropriate emergency response, and defines various measures of odour and air quality, including odour thresholds, ambient air quality objectives, and emergency response criteria.

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2019 fish consumption guidance : mercury in fish

Description

This technical report was prepared to provide summary information about the fish consumption advice available for Alberta water bodies and to present new data collected from 2013 to 2016... More ≫

Description

This technical report was prepared to provide summary information about the fish consumption advice available for Alberta water bodies and to present new data collected from 2013 to 2016 (inclusive) along with attendant advice. The information in this report may be of interest to researchers, public health professionals, or members of the public who are interested in fish consumption advice in Alberta and want additional information. This document has been produced using methods described in past reports – as such, the information contained herein is a summary of available data related to mercury in fish and human health advice.

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Domestic well water quality in Alberta : 2002 – 2008 characterization : physical & chemical testing

Description

Under the framework of the Alberta Water for Life Strategy initiative to ensure safe drinking water for all Albertans, Alberta Health initiated a domestic well water quality monitoring and human... More ≫

Description

Under the framework of the Alberta Water for Life Strategy initiative to ensure safe drinking water for all Albertans, Alberta Health initiated a domestic well water quality monitoring and human health assessment program in 2009. This report presents the findings of the initial project conducted under this program. The objects of the project were to: provide baseline information on the occurrence and geographic distribution of physical and chemical properties of domestic well waters; assess drinking water quality and safety; develop and select relevant indicators for well water quality monitoring programs; provide province-wide, science-based information on domestic well water quality to enhance domestic well owners’ awareness and encourage involvement in the protection of their domestic well water quality; and assist other government departments by generating reliable scientific evidence to address practical and effective groundwater management and strategies.

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