NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Sahtu Settlement Area, Dehcho Region, South Slave Region, Qikiqtaaluk Region

Tags: contaminants, biomonitoring

Objective(s): 1. Test for Contaminants: Analyze stored biological samples of participants that opted into the biobank in order to measure levels of priority chemicals in participating communities. 2. Study Factors: Explore the links and patterns between the levels of the chemicals measured people's samples and the types of foods participants had reported eating. 3. Share Results: Bring back the findings from these analyses to each participating community and individual,

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 6059. 1. Test for Contaminants: Analyze stored biological samples of participants that opted into the biobank in order to measure levels of priority chemicals in participating communities. 2. Study Factors: Explore the links and patterns between the levels of the chemicals measured people's samples and the types of foods participants had reported eating 3. Share Results: Bring back the findings from these analyses to each participating community and individual, In Years 1-2, the team will analyze stored blood and urine samples (from participants who opted into the biobank) for each of the priority chemicals described above, including PFAS, dioxins, chlorpyrifos, and SCCP. These results will be compared to reference values describing the usual ranges for these chemicals. Within one year of measurement, individual results letters describing the levels observed and what those levels mean will be returned according to our previous Community Research Agreements. Explore Influencing Factors: In Years 2 and 3, the team will examine how factors like age, sex, and traditional food consumption relate to the levels of these new harmful chemicals in participants. The team will use statistical methods to analyze these relationships, building on previous findings related to other pollutants. In Year 3, the team will create models to assess the nutritional benefits of traditional foods and their contribution to chemical exposure. If new community-based data becomes available, the team will update these models to include additional chemicals of concern. In Year 1, the team will participate in regional meetings to connect with community representatives and leaders. During these gatherings, the team will share recent research findings and gather feedback on plain-language materials. These regional meetings will include regional annual general meetings to which the research team is invited as well as scientific gatherings set in participating communities and regions. Following community agreements, the team will send personalized letters to participants who chose to have their blood and urine samples stored. These letters will detail the levels of newly measured biomarkers, compare them to typical levels from the general population, and provide strategies to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals like PFAS, dioxins, SCCP, and chlorpyrifos. In Years 2-3, the research team will hold public presentations to summarize overall community and regional results according to the established Community Research Agreements. In short, each community will receive a report that outlines the collective findings for their community. These reports will address key community questions, like: - Are the results within the usual range? - Do the results pose any health risks? - How can community members limit exposure to contaminants while still accessing traditional foods? Further, we will work with local knowledge holders in each participating region in order to translate research summaries into local languages, ensuring that the information is accessible and relevant to all community members. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: December 3 - December 31, 2024 January 01 - December 31, 2025 January 01 - December 29, 2026