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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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Are you turning 65? : seniors programs and services

Description

Presents information for seniors turning 65 about available federal and provincial pension and financial assistance programs, prescription drug programs, and health-related coverage.

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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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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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Alberta and Minnesota antineoplastic drug surveillance database

Description

Contains measurement observations and supplementary data of antineoplastic drug contamination at nine cancer care sites in Alberta and Minnesota for the years 2018 and 2019. Data was collected in... More ≫

Description

Contains measurement observations and supplementary data of antineoplastic drug contamination at nine cancer care sites in Alberta and Minnesota for the years 2018 and 2019. Data was collected in support of a study investigating exposure of healthcare workers to antineoplastic drugs, which can present an occupational health hazard.

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Assessing the impact of an established peer support model on the mental health of public safety personnel

Description

Presents findings of a study conducted to assess the impact of providing a high-fidelity implementation of a specific model of structured peer support for individuals in four integrated fire and... More ≫

Description

Presents findings of a study conducted to assess the impact of providing a high-fidelity implementation of a specific model of structured peer support for individuals in four integrated fire and emergency medical services departments. Public safety personnel who had previously participated in peer support reported greater perceived peer support skills and greater perceived value of peer support than those with no previous peer support participation. The evidence for peer support appears promising for supporting the mental health of public safety personnel.

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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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An exploration of the occupational and psychological variables moderating the biological embedding of stress within firefighters

Description

Contains research data collected in support of a study investigating occupational and psychological variables moderating the biological embedding of stress within firefighters.

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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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