NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: contaminants, health, bioaccumulation, heavy metal, pregnancy, prenatal health, organochlorines

Objective(s): Evidence for the presence of environmental contaminants in the NWT, and trace levels in NWT, and trace levels in NWT residents were comprehensively documented in the Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report (DIAND, 1997). Baseline exposure assessments have been completed in the Kitikmeot, Mackenzie, Baffin and Keewatin Regions since 1992. The Inuvik Regional Health & Social Services Board began a similar baseline exposure assessment study in 1998 and will be completing this for their service area for 1999. This work will complete the territorial-wide baseline. The Inuvik Regional Human Contaminants Monitoring Program is sampling maternal scalp hair for methylmercury analysis, and maternal and umbilical cord blood for a suite of organochlorines and metals. The study also examines the potential for environmental and dietary contaminant exposure from information obtained by a questionnaire, designed by CINE, that is administered to every participant.

Project Description: The Inuvik Regional Human Contaminants Monitoring Program will be continuing their sampling of maternal scalp hair for methylmercury analysis, and maternal and umbilical cord blood to check for certain organochlorines and metals. This project was started in 1998. Women from the Inuvik Regional Health & Social Services Board, who intend to have their babies at the Inuvik Regional Hospital or the Stanton Regional Hospital before June 30, 1999, will learn about the study and be invited to take part. Once they have given their consent, a twenty minute questionnaire is given during the last 3 months of their pregnancy. Blood samples are collected along with routine tests, and the hair sample is collected during the first check up with the community health workers. After June 1999, personal results will be made available in the participants medical health records for their viewing if desired. A final results report will be printed for distribution to the participants, the funding agency, and other interested agencies.