Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region
Tags: contaminants, health, traditional food, Inuvialuit
| Principal Investigator: | Chan, Laurie H. M. (12) |
| Licence Number: | 14350 |
| Organization: | UNBC |
| Licensed Year(s): |
2008
|
| Issued: | May 20, 2008 |
| Project Team: | Grace Egeland (Primary Investigator, McGill University), Kue Young (Co-Principal Investigator, University of Toronto), Lynda Gunn (Co-Applicant, Nunavut Association of Municipalities), Geralidine Osborn (Co-Applicant, Government of Nunavut), Isaac Sobol (Co-Applicant, Government of Nunavut, Health and Social Services), Eric Dewailly (Co-Applicant, University of Laval), Laura Arbour (Co-Applicant, University of British Columbia), Harriet Kuhnlein (Co-Applicant, McGill University/CINE), Hope Weiler (Co-Applicant, McGill University), Pam Orr (Co-Applicant, University of Manitoba), Jennifer Dickson (Co-Applicant, Pauktuutit) |
Objective(s): This study seeks to identify levels of contaminants in country foods in the region from which to estimate body burden of contaminants in participants of the Inuit Health Survey.
Project Description: This study seeks to identify levels of contaminants in country foods in the region from which to estimate body burden of contaminants in participants of the Inuit Health Survey. The data will be utilized to assess the overall health status of survey participants, which will include studying the relationship between diet intake of contaminants and body burden; evaluating the complex interactions between lifestyle factors (obesity, smoking, physical activity, alcohol use), and contaminants exposure including persistent organic pollutants and Mercury exposures as determinants of health. The data collected will contribute to the development of health prevention and health promotion policy, as well as a communication strategy for contaminants in partnership with the regional Inuit organizations and health authorities. Approximately 50 previously harvested country food samples (including fish, beluga, caribou, ringed seal, muskox, and other available commonly consumed country foods) will be purchased from 2-3 communities willing to participate. The samples will be packaged by the sample provider and shipped frozen, by air, to laboratories in Winnipeg and Prince George for contaminant testing. Results will be presented back to all communities in written reports, community meetings, local and regional workshops and/or other means. Reporting will take place at both local and regional levels prior to release to the scientific community and public. The study will be conducted from June 01 to December 31, 2008. It is planned that food samples will be collected from two ISR communities that are interested in participating in this portion of the Inuit Health Survey, and that have adequate supplies of frozen meat. It is planned that community HTCs will be contacted via the ICDD to identify communities that are interested in participating in this portion of the survey.
