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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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Wildfire smoke : OHS information for employers and workers

Description

Wildfire smoke is a common, seasonal health hazard in Alberta during the spring, summer and autumn months. This publication discusses the hazards associated with wildfire smoke and presents ideas... More ≫

Description

Wildfire smoke is a common, seasonal health hazard in Alberta during the spring, summer and autumn months. This publication discusses the hazards associated with wildfire smoke and presents ideas for hazard assessment and control.

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Income Support Caseload

Description

This Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) dataset describes the monthly Income Support caseload in Alberta, including two client groups: those Expected to Work (ETW) and those who have... More ≫

Description

This Seniors, Community and Social Services (SCSS) dataset describes the monthly Income Support caseload in Alberta, including two client groups: those Expected to Work (ETW) and those who have Barriers to Full Employment (BFE). Income Support provides financial benefits to individuals and families who do not have the resources to meet their basic needs, like food, clothing, and shelter. The caseload is defined as the number of households categorized as ETW or BFE during a specific reporting period. Most commonly, this is reported as the average volume for a specific period (e.g., annually).   The composition of the caseload is made up of single individuals, lone-parent families, couples with children and couples without children. In April 2018, a breakdown of the number of caseloads by SCSS Regions was added to provide greater context.   NOTE: (1) - Due to a change in how region information is tracked within source systems, updated region caseloads for Income Support...

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Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan bulletin [general information]

Description

These bulletins are created to provide health care professionals with clarification and guidance in understanding the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) and to keep them apprised of... More ≫

Description

These bulletins are created to provide health care professionals with clarification and guidance in understanding the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) and to keep them apprised of updates and changes to the Plan. Bulletin numbering reflects the AHCIP services to which the bulletin pertains. Bulletins in this record refer to general provisions or all services covered by AHCIP. New bulletins are released as required. Please be aware that information in older bulletins may be superseded by more recent bulletins.

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Canada-Alberta aging with dignity funding agreement (2023-24 to 2027-28)

Description

Through this bilateral funding agreement, the federal government is investing $627 million over five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28, as part of a 10-year plan for funding and collaboration. This... More ≫

Description

Through this bilateral funding agreement, the federal government is investing $627 million over five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28, as part of a 10-year plan for funding and collaboration. This funding will help accelerate efforts already underway to transform continuing care in Alberta, as described in Alberta's five-year action plan.

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Chemical Monitoring in Local Foods: Mercury in Fish

Description

Mercury (Hg) enters the environment through natural processes and human activities. There are three forms of Hg: elemental (metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury salts and organic mercury... More ≫

Description

Mercury (Hg) enters the environment through natural processes and human activities. There are three forms of Hg: elemental (metallic) mercury, inorganic mercury salts and organic mercury compounds. Methylmercury (MeHg) is often formed from inorganic mercury during biological processes such as methylation by microorganisms in water and sediment. MeHg can accumulate in aquatic organisms including fish. People are exposed to very low levels of mercury in the air, water and food. Some people may be exposed to relatively higher levels of mercury by eating MeHg-containing fish. MeHg accumulates in the human body over time and because it is a known neurotoxin, it is necessary to limit human exposure to MeHg. To protect public health, Health Canada has proposed mercury guidelines and advisories for fish consumption based on total mercury (THg; all forms of Hg in a sample). This dataset was collected as part of long-term monitoring of mercury levels in various species of fish in Albertan...

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Alberta treatment guidelines for sexually transmitted infections (STI) in adolescents and adults, 2018

Description

The guidelines presented here for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in Alberta have been adapted from the Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections for provincial use... More ≫

Description

The guidelines presented here for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in Alberta have been adapted from the Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections for provincial use with permission from the Public Health Agency of Canada. It includes the level of recommendation and quality of evidence indicators for the treatment recommendations. The indicators reflect a combination of the methodologies from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care and have been modified and simplified for use.

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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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Domestic Well Water Quality in Alberta - Routine Chemistry

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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Canada-Alberta agreement to work together to improve health care for Canadians (2023-24 to 2025-26)

Description

Through this bilateral funding agreement, the federal government is investing close to $1.1 billion over three years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, as part of a 10-year plan for funding and... More ≫

Description

Through this bilateral funding agreement, the federal government is investing close to $1.1 billion over three years, from 2023-24 to 2025-26, as part of a 10-year plan for funding and collaboration. This funding will help accelerate efforts already underway in Alberta to improve health care access and services, as described in Alberta's three-year action plan.

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