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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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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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Rabies prevention and control manual : guidance for public health and veterinary professionals

Description

This manual has been developed through a partnership between Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch – Alberta Region, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry,... More ≫

Description

This manual has been developed through a partnership between Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch – Alberta Region, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, and Alberta Environment and Parks to provide guidance to public health and veterinary professionals in Alberta about rabies prevention and control.

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Inventory and analysis of exposure factors for Alberta

Description

Presents the findings of a study conducted to provide information on human behaviours and characteristics that influence an individual's exposure to environmental contaminants in Alberta. The... More ≫

Description

Presents the findings of a study conducted to provide information on human behaviours and characteristics that influence an individual's exposure to environmental contaminants in Alberta. The purpose of the study was threefold: to inventory and evaluate data on exposure factors that are relevant to Albertans; to determine the most suitable exposure factors for use in exposure and human health risk assessments in Alberta; and to determine where gaps in the data exist and prioritize the gaps that could be considered for future study.

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Odours and human health

Description

This report explores and summarizes the findings from over 500 peer-reviewed epidemiology and experimental studies assessing odour and health outcomes in humans. The intended audience for this... More ≫

Description

This report explores and summarizes the findings from over 500 peer-reviewed epidemiology and experimental studies assessing odour and health outcomes in humans. The intended audience for this report is primarily health professionals or other professionals with related scientific backgrounds, but information is contained in this report that may also be relevant to interested members of the public.

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