Mallory Drysdale, Mylene Ratelle, Shannon Majowicz, Jeremy Brammer, Mary Gamberg, Kelly Skinner, Brian Laird (2022). Determinants of Exposure for Lead, Cobalt, Manganese, and Hexachlorobenzene in Northern Canada. Proceedings of the GWF Annual Open Science Meeting, May 16-18, 2022.

A human biomonitoring study was conducted in Old Crow, Yukon as well as the Dehcho and Sahtú regions of the NWT from 2016-2020. Results of this project indicate that levels of lead, cobalt, manganese, and hexachlorobenzene were elevated in blood and urine samples in some of these communities in comparison to the general Canadian population. Based on community feedback, this study was designed to help identify potential determinants of exposure for these parameters. Multivariable logistic regression models were run to identify possible associations between individual determinants of exposure, including traditional food consumption, lifestyle factors, and demographics, with key biomarkers including lead, manganese, cobalt, and hexachlorobenzene. Several lifestyle factors were associated with elevated exposure levels of these biomarkers, including drinking untreated river water in Old Crow, and smoking. Relationships between consumption of caribou and moose organs, such as bone marrow, bones, and kidney, and elevated blood manganese, lead, and/or HCB levels were observed in the three regions. Though contaminant levels may be elevated in certain traditional foods, these foods remain an important source of nutrients for community members in Old Crow, the Dehcho and Sahtú. Traditional food harvesting and consumption also provides other benefits, including increased physical activity through harvesting, mental health improvements, and spiritual wellness.

First Author: Mallory Drysdale
Additional Authors: Mylene Ratelle, Shannon Majowicz, Jeremy Brammer, Mary Gamberg, Kelly Skinner, Brian Laird