Levels of Contaminants in Human Populations in the Canadian Arctic

Abstract

Levels of environmental contaminants, which are transported to the Arctic via air/water currents, have been shown to be elevated in northern populations, primarily Inuit. For more than 25 years, the Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) has funded research in response to concerns about exposure to contaminants from traditional, northern indigenous diets. Recently, NCP completed a human health assessment report, which provides a summary of current knowledge regarding contaminants and human health in northern Canada.Data from NCP funded studies were compiled to summarize levels of contaminants among Inuit children, pregnant mothers, women of childbearing age, and adult men and women. Data was also used to identify time trends and provide regional descriptive comparisons.This assessment found that concentrations of contaminants are higher in Inuit from northern Canada relative to the Canadian general population. This is primarily due to dietary exposure to contaminants from the consumption of certain country foods such as marine mammals. Inuit populations living in Nunavut and Nunavik, where these country foods are typically eaten more frequently or in larger amounts, had higher levels of contaminants. Time trend data show declining levels of organochlorines and metals (such as mercury and lead), by up to 80% and 60% respectively, in pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik (1992-2013). Despite this, levels remain elevated compared to the Canadian general population. Since the completion of the assessment new projects have been funded and these will also be highlighted.Strong time trend data are available for Nunavik; however more information is needed in other regions. New chemical groups have emerged in the Arctic. While human exposure data is still limited, data is being generated through new research. Additional conclusions, knowledge gaps and recommendations for future northern studies are detailed in the NCP human health assessment.