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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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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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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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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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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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Environmental public health indoor air quality manual : a guide for environmental public health professionals

Description

This manual describes a general framework and provides a menu of tools to empower Alberta Environmental Public Health professionals (EPHPs) in their investigations and management of indoor air ... More ≫

Description

This manual describes a general framework and provides a menu of tools to empower Alberta Environmental Public Health professionals (EPHPs) in their investigations and management of indoor air quality matters. The manual does not intend to be a definitive nor a comprehensive prescriptive work; rather, it offers a concise and up-to-date collection of methodologies and approaches that are useful in problem identification, risk intervention and harm reduction. In addition to providing practical tools useful in field applications, this manual re-acquaints practitioners with toxicological, risk assessment and risk management principles that are also useful in other Environmental Public Health fields.

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