The Wabamun and Area Community Exposure and Health Effects Assessment Program (WACEHEAP) study has been completed, the final report may be downloaded from www.health.gov.ab.ca/resources/publications/WabamunReport.pdf. Thank you to all who have participated.
The Wabamun and Area Community Exposure and Health Effects Assessment Program (WACEHEAP) was developed to look at various air contaminants people are exposed to in this area and to examine health conditions that may be related to these exposures. The program is being developed in response to concerns about potential health impacts from coal-fired power generating stations in the area that were raised in recent hearings of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (AEUB).
Between May and November, 2004, 198 people in Paul First Nation, Leduc and Parkland Counties participated in the exposure monitoring program This included 38 people from the urban part of the study area (Spruce Grove, Stony Plain and Devon), 85 people from the rural areas and 75 people from Paul First Nation. The study investigated what these residents were being exposed to in the environment and also measured certain aspects of health.
From November 2004 until May 2005, a study of children’s exposure to contaminants such as arsenic and mercury was conducted. Hair, blood and urine samples from these children were collected.
The data is currently being entered, verified, and analyzed by researchers and data analysts at Alberta Health and Wellness. They hope to have a report based on the study results available for public release by Spring 2006. The report will be made available on-line at www.health.gov.ab.ca or by contacting Merry Turtiak at (780) 422-1957 or Merry.Turtiak@gov.ab.ca.
The activities of the program are being overseen by a Steering Committee whose members include representatives from Capital Health, Alberta Environment, Health Canada, Paul First Nation, Leduc County, Parkland County, Village of Wabamun, West Central Airshed, Lake Wabamun Enhancement and Protection Association, Mewassin Community Action Council, EPCOR and TransAlta Utilities.
If you have any questions about the Wabamun and Area Community Exposure and Health Effects Assessment Program please contact:
Capital Health
Tel: (780) 413-7928
Fax: (780) 482-5383
email: sprobert@cha.ab.ca