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Sudlovenick E, Jenkins E, Loseto L. Comparative review of One Health and Indigenous approaches to wildlife research in Inuit Nunangat. One Health 2024; 19:100846. [PMID: 39091975 PMCID: PMC11292360 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
There is increasing interest in One Health and Indigenous methodologies and approaches in wildlife research, but they are not widely used research applications in the Arctic. Both approaches are wide in scope and originate from different knowledge systems but are often compared synonymously. We review the literature of overlap between the term One Health and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Indigenous Knowledge) throughout Inuit Nunaat on wildlife research. Three databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science, and BIOSIS) were used to find English language articles and books within the bounds of Inuit Nunaat. While One Health and Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit research approaches share synergies, they are fundamentally disparate owing to their differences in epistemology, including views on the natural environment and wildlife management. We describe current examples of One Health being operationalized in Inuit Nunaat and identify potential to address larger and more complex questions about wildlife health, with examples from terrestrial and marine Arctic wildlife. Both Indigenous methodologies and One Health naturally have a human component at their core, which seamlessly lends itself to discussions on wildlife management, as human actions and regulations directly impact environment and wildlife health.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Sudlovenick
- Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 500 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - E. Jenkins
- Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 500 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7H 5B4, Canada
| | - L. Loseto
- Centre for Earth Observation Science (CEOS), Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, 500 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
- Freshwater Institute, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, 501 University Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N6, Canada
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Karthikeyan S, Pollock T, Walker M, Khoury C, St-Amand A. Analysis of chemical exposures in racial populations in Canada: An investigation based on the Canadian health measures survey. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 260:114406. [PMID: 38852336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Despite demonstrated disparities in environmental chemical exposures by racial identity, no Canadian study has systematically assessed the feasibility of using a nationally representative dataset to examine differences in chemical concentrations by race. We assessed the feasibility and constraints of analysing chemical exposures in racial populations, including visible minorities and populations of Indigenous identity, using biomonitoring data collected through the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Our primary objectives were to assess the ability to 1) generate geometric means and percentiles of chemical concentrations for racial populations by age or sex, 2) statistically compare concentrations among racial populations, and 3) calculate time trends of concentrations by race. We conducted these analyses for several priority chemicals: lead, cadmium, benzene, bisphenol A (BPA), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Survey participants self-identified as one of the following: White, Black, East and Southeast Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, Latin American, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit. Analyses were conducted for individual and combined cycles of the CHMS. Using data from the latest CHMS cycle in which each chemical was measured, we observed that sample sizes were sufficient to report geometric mean concentrations for all races except Inuit. Due to privacy considerations associated with small sample sizes, the 5th and 95th percentile concentrations could not be consistently reported for all racial populations in this analysis. While we were able to statistically compare concentrations among racial populations, the analysis was constrained by the limited number of statistical degrees of freedom available in a single CHMS cycle. Both of these constraints were alleviated by combining multiple cycles of data. The analysis of time trends was less subject to privacy and statistical limitations; we were able to calculate time trends of chemical concentrations for all racial populations. Our findings provide an important baseline for follow-up investigations of descriptive and etiological analyses of environmental chemical exposures and race in the CHMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Karthikeyan
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Tyler Pollock
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Mike Walker
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Cheryl Khoury
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Annie St-Amand
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
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Palaniswamy S, Nevala L, Pesonen P, Rautio A, Järvelin MR, Abass K, Charles D. Environmental contaminants in Arctic human populations: Trends over 30 years. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 189:108777. [PMID: 38838491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) monitors persistent organic pollutant (POP) levels in the Arctic populations and assesses health effects related to exposure to them. Many internationally regulated POPs persist in humans and biota, while new Emerging Contaminants of Arctic Concern (ECAC), many of which are unregulated, present additional challenges. Biomonitoring offers valuable insights into temporal trends within human matrices, revealing critical information not only about the efficacy of international regulations but also serving as an early warning system for exposure and risks for human health. METHODS Data analyzed in this study is aggregated data presented in the AMAP Human Health in the Arctic assessments, which provide data on contaminant concentrations measured in human matrices from adults, and children across various population studies conducted in the Arctic since the 1980 s. Linear regression analyses were used to assess trends of various POPs including organochlorine (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), measured over time from the Arctic populations in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Canada and Alaska (USA). RESULTS Overall, decreasing trends were observed for PCBs and OCPs. Regulated PFAS showed decreasing trends, but increasing trends were observed for unregulated PFAS in certain populations. PBDEs showed decreasing or inconsistent trends in certain Arctic populations. CONCLUSIONS Decreasing trends are observed for legacy POPs, but the trends for new emerging contaminants are inconsistent. More focus is needed on biomonitoring the new emerging contaminants of concern in the Arctic and their implications on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Palaniswamy
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Laura Nevala
- Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Paula Pesonen
- Northern Finland Birth Cohort, Infrastructure for Population Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Rautio
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Thule Institute, University of Arctic, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Unit of Primary Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Khaled Abass
- Research Unit of Biomedicine and Internal Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Research Institute of Science and Engineering, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Dolley Charles
- Department of Community Medicine, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
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Eccles KM, Boutet V, Branigan M, Dyck M, van Coeverden de Groot P, Lougheed SC, Rutter A, Langlois VS. Non-invasive biomonitoring of polar bear feces can be used to estimate concentrations of metals of concern in traditional food. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305398. [PMID: 38917117 PMCID: PMC11198741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The Arctic faces increasing exposure to environmental chemicals such as metals, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. Biomonitoring of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) can be used to quantify chemicals in the environment and in traditional foods consumed by the Inuit. However, typically, these samples are collected through invasive or terminal methods. The biomonitoring of feces could be a useful alternative to the current metal monitoring method within the Arctic. Here, we aim to 1) quantify the relationship between concentrations of metals in the feces and tissues (muscle, liver, and fat) of polar bears using predictive modeling, 2) develop an easy-to-use conversion tool for use in community-based monitoring programs to non-invasively estimate contaminant concentrations in polar bears tissues and 3) demonstrate the application of these models by examining potential exposure risk for humans from consumption of polar bear muscle. Fecal, muscle, liver, and fat samples were harvested from 49 polar bears through a community-based monitoring program. The samples were analyzed for 32 metals. Exploratory analysis indicated that mean metal concentrations generally did not vary by age or sex, and many of the metals measured in feces were positively correlated with the internal tissue concentration. We developed predictive linear regression models between internal (muscle, liver, fat) and external (feces) metal concentrations and further explored the mercury and methylmercury relationships for utility risk screening. Using the cross-validated regression coefficients, we developed a conversion tool that contributes to the One Health approach by understanding the interrelated health of humans, wildlife, and the environment in the Arctic. The findings support using feces as a biomonitoring tool for assessing contaminants in polar bears. Further research is needed to validate the developed models for other regions in the Arctic and assess the impact of environmental weathering on fecal metal concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Eccles
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Vincent Boutet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Québec, Canada
| | - Marsha Branigan
- Government of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife, Canada
| | - Markus Dyck
- Government of Nunavut, Department of Environment, Igloolik, NU, Canada
| | | | | | - Allison Rutter
- School of Environmental Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Stalwick JA, Ratelle M, Gurney KEB, Drysdale M, Lazarescu C, Comte J, Laird B, Skinner K. Sources of exposure to lead in Arctic and subarctic regions: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2208810. [PMID: 37196187 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2208810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding lead exposure pathways is a priority because of its ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as the potential health risks. We aimed to identify potential lead sources and pathways of lead exposure, including long-range transport, and the magnitude of exposure in Arctic and subarctic communities. A scoping review strategy and screening approach was used to search literature from January 2000 to December 2020. A total of 228 academic and grey literature references were synthesised. The majority of these studies (54%) were from Canada. Indigenous people in Arctic and subarctic communities in Canada had higher levels of lead than the rest of Canada. The majority of studies in all Arctic countries reported at least some individuals above the level of concern. Lead levels were influenced by a number of factors including using lead ammunition to harvest traditional food and living in close proximity to mines. Lead levels in water, soil, and sediment were generally low. Literature showed the possibility of long-range transport via migratory birds. Household lead sources included lead-based paint, dust, or tap water. This literature review will help to inform management strategies for communities, researchers, and governments, with the aim of decreasing lead exposure in northern regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordyn A Stalwick
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mylène Ratelle
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kirsty E B Gurney
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Mallory Drysdale
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Calin Lazarescu
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Jérôme Comte
- Institut National de Recherche Scientifique (INRS), Eau Terre Environnement Centre, Québec, Canada
| | - Brian Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Unguryanu TN, Lyzhina AV, Mitrokhin OV, Polibin RV. Human health risk assessment of heavy metals from meat and offal of reindeer and cow in the Far North of European Russia. Scand J Public Health 2023; 51:1009-1015. [PMID: 35603548 DOI: 10.1177/14034948221096243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to compare the concentrations of heavy metals in reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Northwestern Russia, and to assess the risk to the health of the indigenous population associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow. METHODS Lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic concentrations were measured in 39 muscle, 15 liver, and 14 kidney samples from reindeer and 33, 18, and 12 corresponding samples from cow in 2014-2016 using atomic absorption spectrometry. Estimated daily intake of investigated heavy metals, hazard quotient, hazard index and cancer risk were calculated. RESULTS Mean cadmium and mercury concentrations in reindeer liver and kidney exceeded the maximum permissible levels for bovine animals. However, the estimated daily intakes of heavy metals through consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal were lower than tolerable daily intakes. Hazard quotient and hazard index values for heavy metals in reindeer and cow samples were <1. Hazard index values were in descending order: reindeer kidney (0.389)>reindeer muscle (0.382)>cow muscle (0.088)>reindeer liver (0.051)>cow kidney (0.012)>cow liver (0.004). The cancer risk related to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal did not exceed acceptable levels. CONCLUSIONS There is no human health risk associated with heavy metal intake due to the consumption of reindeer and cow meat and offal originating from the Nenets Autonomous Okrug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana N Unguryanu
- Department of Hygiene and Medical Ecology, Northern State Medical University, Russian Federation
| | - Alena V Lyzhina
- Higher School of Natural Sciences and Technologies, Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Russian Federation
| | - Oleg V Mitrokhin
- F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russian Federation
| | - Roman V Polibin
- F. Erismann Institute of Public Health, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Russian Federation
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Saeed MS, Fahd F, Khan F, Chen B, Sadiq R. Human health risk model for microplastic exposure in the Arctic region. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165150. [PMID: 37385486 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics enriched with carcinogens like heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and their derivatives are ubiquitous in Arctic waters. They contaminate the local land and sea-based food sources, which is a significant health hazard. It is thus imperative to assess the risk posed by them to the nearby communities, which primarily rely on locally available food sources to meet their energy requirements. This paper proposes a novel ecotoxicity model to assess the human health risk posed by microplastics. The region's geophysical and environmental conditions affecting human microplastic intake, along with the human physiological parameters influencing biotransformation, are incorporated into the developed causation model. It investigates the carcinogenic risk associated with microplastic intake in humans via ingestion in terms of incremental excess lifetime cancer risk (IELCR). The model first evaluates microplastic intake and then uses reactive metabolites produced due to the interaction of microplastics with xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes to assess cellular mutations that result in cancer. All these conditions are mapped in an Object-Oriented Bayesian Network (OOBN) framework to evaluate IELCR. The study will provide a vital tool for formulating better risk management strategies and policies in the Arctic region, especially concerning Arctic Indigenous peoples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadiq Saeed
- Centre for Risk, Integrity, and Safety Engineering (C-RISE) Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5; Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC), Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, College Station TX 77843, USA
| | - Faisal Fahd
- Centre for Risk, Integrity, and Safety Engineering (C-RISE) Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Faisal Khan
- Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC), Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, College Station TX 77843, USA.
| | - Bing Chen
- Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control Laboratory (NRPOP Lab), Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science, Memorial University, St John's, NL, Canada A1B 3X5
| | - Rehan Sadiq
- School of Engineering, Okanagan Campus, Faculty of Applied Science University of British Columbia, Okanagan, BC, Canada V1V 1V7
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Rink E, Anastario M, Reimer GA, Peterson M. An ecological approach to understanding Women's reproductive health and pregnancy decision making in Greenland. Health Place 2022; 77:102868. [PMID: 35932597 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Using a community based participatory research framework and ecological systems theory we explored the experiences of reproductive health among Inuit women living in a remote Northwestern settlement in Greenland to understand the multiple diverse factors that influence their pregnancy outcomes. We conducted 15 in depth interviews with Inuit women between the ages of 19 and 45. Key factors influencing women's pregnancy decision making were: 1) precursors to pregnancy; 2) birth control use; 3) adoption and abortion; and 4) access to reproductive health care. Our results highlight the need to identify pathways through research, policy, health promotion, and health care practice that can support Inuit women in Greenland to be reproductively healthy and make informed decisions about pregnancy that resonate with their cultural beliefs as well as the realities of their everyday lives. We recommend the integration of cultural messaging into interdisciplinary approaches for preventive reproductive health care with women living in remote Arctic communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rink
- Montana State University, Department of Health and Human Development, 312 Herrick Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59719, USA.
| | - Mike Anastario
- Florida International University, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, 11200 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
| | - Gitte Adler Reimer
- Ilisimatusarfik, University of Greenland, Postboks 1061, Nuuk, 3900, Greenland.
| | - Malory Peterson
- Montana State University, Department of Health and Human Development, 312 Herrick Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59719, USA.
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Prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants and metals and problematic child behavior at 3-5 years of age: a Greenlandic cohort study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22182. [PMID: 34772976 PMCID: PMC8589846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01580-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals are found in Arctic populations. POP and heavy metals are linked to impaired cognitive development. This study examined associations between prenatal POP and metals exposure and problematic child behavior using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). POPs and metals were measured in 102 pregnant Greenlandic women. During follow-up at 3–5 years, parents answered an assisted questionnaire including children’s SDQ scores. Associations were analyzed using linear and logistic regression analyses and adjusted for maternal plasma cotinine, educational level and age at delivery. In the adjusted analyses, the medium tertile of hexachlorobenzene (β = 3.06, p = 0.010), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β = 3.58, p = 0.004) and trans-nonachlor (β = 2.06, p = 0.082) were positively associated with SDQ scores. The continuous cis-nonachlor (OR = 1.09, p = 0.079), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (OR = 1.01, p = 0.077), trans-nonachlor (OR = 1.01, p = 0.091), and sum Organochlorine-Pesticides (OR = 1.00, p = 0.094) were positively associated with abnormal SDQ score and the continuous mirex (OR = 1.28, p = 0.096), oxychlordane (OR = 1.04, p = 0.066), and trans-nonachlor (OR = 1.02, p = 0.071) with abnormal hyperactivity score. We found no consistent evidence of associations between polychlorinated biphenyls, perfluoroalkylated substances and heavy metals and problematic behavior. Prenatal organochlorine pesticide exposure associated significantly with problematic behavior in 3–5 year old children.
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Parajuli RP, Goodrich JM, Chan HM, Lemire M, Ayotte P, Hegele RA, Basu N. Variation in biomarker levels of metals, persistent organic pollutants, and omega-3 fatty acids in association with genetic polymorphisms among Inuit in Nunavik, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 200:111393. [PMID: 34062203 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarker measures of contaminant exposure and nutrient status can help increase understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the consumption of traditional foods by Inuit. While gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions may help explain variations in biomarker measures, the role of genetic polymorphisms is largely understudied especially for vulnerable sub-populations. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in key genes and blood concentrations of environmental chemicals and nutrients among Inuit. METHODS Blood samples from 665 individuals who participated in the Qanuippitaa Survey (Nunavik, Canada) in 2004 were analyzed for toxicants and nutrients. DNA was extracted and 140 SNPs in classes relevant to the toxicokinetics and/or toxicodynamics of the target contaminants and nutrients, and/or are involved in cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism were genotyped using the Sequenom iPLEX Gold platform. RESULTS Geometric means (μg/L) of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), DDE, PCB-153, and selenium (Se) were 11.1, 2.8, 39.9, 2.9, 1.1 and 301.2, respectively. Red blood cell membrane levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were 5.1%/total fatty acid (TFA) and 1.3%/TFA respectively. Out of 106 SNPs which met our inclusion criteria, biomarker levels for Hg, Cd, Pb, DDE, PCB-153, DHA, and EPA differed (p < 0.05) by genotype for 20, 13, 12, 19, 21, 9 and 8 SNPs, respectively. Following Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0005), only 9 SNPs remained significant (rs2274976 in MTHFR, rs174602 in FADS2, rs7115739 and rs74771917 in FADS3, rs713041 in GPX4, rs2306283 and rs4149056 in SLCO1B1, rs1885301 in ABCC2/MRP2, and rs4244285 in CYP2C19; 5 associated with Hg, 2 with Pb, 2 with DDE, 4 with PCB-153, 1 with DHA). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that polymorphisms in environmentally-responsive genes can influence biomarker levels of key toxicants and nutrients. While there are no immediate clinical or public health implications of these findings, we believe that such gene-environment and gene-nutrient studies provide a foundation that will inform and provide direction to future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendra Prasad Parajuli
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Melanie Lemire
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Robert A Hegele
- Department of Medicine and Robarts Research Institute, Western University, ON, Canada
| | - Niladri Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Climate Change and Enteric Infections in the Canadian Arctic: Do We Know What’s on the Horizon? GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/gidisord3030012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Canadian Arctic has a long history with diarrheal disease, including outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, giardiasis, and salmonellosis. Due to climate change, the Canadian Arctic is experiencing rapid environmental transformation, which not only threatens the livelihood of local Indigenous Peoples, but also supports the spread, frequency, and intensity of enteric pathogen outbreaks. Advances in diagnostic testing and detection have brought to attention the current burden of disease due to Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter, and Helicobacter pylori. As climate change is known to influence pathogen transmission (e.g., food and water), Arctic communities need support in developing prevention and surveillance strategies that are culturally appropriate. This review aims to provide an overview of how climate change is currently and is expected to impact enteric pathogens in the Canadian Arctic.
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Sobolev N, Ellingsen DG, Belova N, Aksenov A, Sorokina T, Trofimova A, Varakina Y, Kotsur D, Grjibovski AM, Chashchin V, Bogolitsyn K, Thomassen Y. Essential and non-essential elements in biological samples of inhabitants residing in Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Arctic. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 152:106510. [PMID: 33756428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of Arctic residents to environmental pollutants is an emerging public health problem receiving little global attention. The objective of this study was to assess whole blood concentrations of nine selected essential (Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) elements among Nenets and non-Nenets adult residents of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) living in seven coastal and inland settlements. Urine was collected in two settlements for assessment of iodine status. Altogether 297 whole blood and 68 urine samples were analysed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry and the accuracy of the measurements was assessed by use of human whole blood and urine quality control materials. Several essential and non-essential showed significant variations in whole blood concentrations characterized by gender, population group and locality. Cd levels among non-Nenets non-smokers (0.19 µg/L) indicated a dietary intake at a natural global background level. Hg concentrations in whole blood show that not more than 10% of women in the fertile age had a Hg intake above the EFAS's recommendation. The Pb concentrations were in the range of, or partly exceeding reference values for increased risk of nephrotoxicity, and there is a need for a continued effort to reduce Pb exposure among the population groups in NAO. With high prevalence of obesity among the Nenets and non-Nenets population, a high prevalence of Fe-deficiency among menstruating women (<50 years) (37.2%) and a lower I status than recommended by WHO, these nutritional dependent components deserve further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Sobolev
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia.
| | - Dag G Ellingsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway
| | - Natalia Belova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrey Aksenov
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Tatiana Sorokina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Anna Trofimova
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yulia Varakina
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Dmitriy Kotsur
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Andrej M Grjibovski
- Northern State Medical University, Troitskiy Ave. 51, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia; Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan; West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe 030019, Kazakhstan
| | - Valerii Chashchin
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Kirochnaya ul. 41, 191015 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Bogolitsyn
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 23, 163000 Arkhangelsk, Russia
| | - Yngvar Thomassen
- Northern (Arctic) Federal University Named After M. V. Lomonosov, Naberezhnaya Severnoy Dvini 17, 163002 Arkhangelsk, Russia; National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas vei 8, N-0363 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Ecology, HSE University, Myasnitskaya str. 20, 101000 Moscow, Russia
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13
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Adlard B, Lemire M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC, Long M, Ólafsdóttir K, Odland JO, Rautio A, Myllynen P, Sandanger TM, Dudarev AA, Bergdahl IA, Wennberg M, Berner J, Ayotte P. MercuNorth - monitoring mercury in pregnant women from the Arctic as a baseline to assess the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1881345. [PMID: 34080521 PMCID: PMC8183506 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1881345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to mercury (Hg) is a global concern, particularly among Arctic populations that rely on the consumption of marine mammals and fish which are the main route of Hg exposure for Arctic populations.The MercuNorth project was created to establish baseline Hg levels across several Arctic regions during the period preceding the Minamata Convention. Blood samples were collected from 669 pregnant women, aged 18-44 years, between 2010 and 2016 from sites across the circumpolar Arctic including Alaska (USA), Nunavik (Canada), Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Northern Lapland (Finland) and Murmansk Oblast (Russia). Descriptive statistics were calculated, multiple pairwise comparisons were made between regions, and unadjusted linear trend analyses were performed.Geometric mean concentrations of total Hg were highest in Nunavik (5.20 µg/L) and Greenland (3.79 µg/L), followed by Alaska (2.13 µg/L), with much lower concentrations observed in the other regions (ranged between 0.48 and 1.29 µg/L). In Nunavik, Alaska and Greenland, blood Hg concentrations have decreased significantly since 1992, 2000 and 2010 respectively with % annual decreases of 4.7%, 7.5% and 2.7%, respectively.These circumpolar data combined with fish and marine mammal consumption data can be used for assessing long-term Hg trends and the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Adlard
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département De Médecine Sociale Et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Eva C Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Center for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Manhai Long
- Center for Arctic Health & Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Kristín Ólafsdóttir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jon O Odland
- Institute of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,International Research Laboratory for Reproductive Ecotoxicology (IL RET), The National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute and Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and University of Arctic, Oulu, Finland
| | - Päivi Myllynen
- Northern Finland Laboratory Centre Nordlab, Northern Finland Laboratory Centre Nordlab, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Torkjel M Sandanger
- Environmental Chemistry Department, NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, the Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Alexey A Dudarev
- Department of Arctic Environmental Health, Northwest Public Health Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ingvar A Bergdahl
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maria Wennberg
- Section of Sustainable Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - James Berner
- Department of Environment and Health, Division of Community Health, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe Santé Des Populations Et Pratiques Optimales En Santé, Centre De Recherche Du CHU De Québec, Québec, QC, Canada.,Département De Médecine Sociale Et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.,Centre De Toxicologie, Institut National De Santé Publique Du Québec, Québec, QC, Canada
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14
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Drysdale M, Ratelle M, Skinner K, Garcia-Barrios J, Gamberg M, Williams M, Majowicz S, Bouchard M, Stark K, Chalil D, Laird BD. Human biomonitoring results of contaminant and nutrient biomarkers in Old Crow, Yukon, Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 760:143339. [PMID: 33183800 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Several large-scale human biomonitoring projects have been conducted in Canada, including the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the First Nations Biomonitoring Initiative (FNBI). However, neither of these studies included participants living in the Yukon. To address this data gap, a human biomonitoring project was implemented in Old Crow, a fly-in Gwich'in community in the northern Yukon. The results of this project provide baseline levels of contaminant and nutrient biomarkers from Old Crow in 2019. Samples of hair, blood, and/or urine were collected from approximately 44% of community residents (77 of 175 adults). These samples were analyzed for contaminants (including heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs)), and nutrients (including trace elements and omega-3 fatty acids). Levels of these analytes were compared to health-based guidance values, when available, and results from other human biomonitoring projects in Canada. Levels of lead (GM 0.64 μg/g creatinine in urine/24 μg/L blood), cadmium (GM 0.32 μg/g creatinine in urine/0.85 μg/L blood), and mercury (GM < LOD in urine/0.76 μg/L blood/0.31 μg/g hair) were below select health-based guidance values for more than 95% of participants. However, compared to the general Canadian population, elevated levels of some contaminants, including lead (approximately 2× higher), cobalt (approximately 1.5× higher), manganese (approximately 1.3× higher), and hexachlorobenzene (approximately 1.5× higher) were observed. In contrast, levels of other POPs, including insecticides such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), its metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were similar to, or lower than, those reported in the general Canadian population. This study can be used along with future biomonitoring programs to evaluate the effectiveness of international initiatives designed to reduce the contaminant burden in the Arctic, including the Stockholm Convention and the Minamata Convention. Regionally, this project complements environmental monitoring being conducted in the region, informing local and regional traditional food consumption advisories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory Drysdale
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mylene Ratelle
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kelly Skinner
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Joshua Garcia-Barrios
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mary Gamberg
- Gamberg Consulting, P.O. Box 11267, Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 6N5, Canada
| | - Megan Williams
- Vuntut Gwitchin Government, P.O. Box 94, Old Crow, Yukon Y0B 1N0, Canada
| | - Shannon Majowicz
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Michele Bouchard
- École de santé publique, Département de santé environnementale et santé au travail, Centre de recherche en santé publique, Université de Montreal, P.O. Box, 6128, Main Station, Montreal, Quebec H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Ken Stark
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Dan Chalil
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Brian D Laird
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada.
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15
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Long M, Wielsøe M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Time Trend of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Metals in Greenlandic Inuit during 1994-2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:2774. [PMID: 33803338 PMCID: PMC7967253 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organchlorine pesticides and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) and heavy metals bioaccumulate in the marine food chain in the Arctic regions, and thus, the Greenlandic population has a higher body burden due to relatively high intake of marine mammals. We assessed the temporal trend for POPs, including PCB 153; 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p'-DDE); oxychlordane; six PFASs; mercury; lead and selenium in Inuit from Ilulissat, Nuuk, and across Greenland (including thirteen towns/districts), from 1994 to 2015. Data showed a significant annual decrease of 6.85-8.61% for PCB153, 6.67-8.61% for p,p'-DDE, 6.11-9.52% for oxychlordane, 5.92-6.76% for mercury and 6.48-9.43% for lead in Inuit women from Nuuk, Ilulissat, and across thirteen Greenlandic districts. The blood selenium level of all Greenlandic women increased 1.01% annually, while the trend direction was negative for Nuuk women. A similar pattern was seen for men across Greenland, with a yearly decrease of 11.3% for PCB 153, 8.61% for p,p'-DDE, 15.6% for oxychlordane, 13.1% for mercury and 12.2% for lead. Perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorohexane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid significantly decreased 5.82-11.7% annually for both women and men across Greenland. For perfluorononanoic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid and perfluoroundecanoic acid, we observed an increasing trend for women across Greenland. In conclusion, there was a decreasing trend of the regulated POPs and metals but a potential increasing trend of the nonregulated PFASs in the Greenlandic population between 1994 and 2015. The continuing biomonitoring of contaminants of concern is important to protect the Arctic population heath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manhai Long
- Center for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (M.W.); (E.C.B.-J.)
| | - Maria Wielsøe
- Center for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (M.W.); (E.C.B.-J.)
| | - Eva Cecilie Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Center for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (M.W.); (E.C.B.-J.)
- Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, 3905 Nuuk, Greenland
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16
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Huntington A, Corcoran PL, Jantunen L, Thaysen C, Bernstein S, Stern GA, Rochman CM. A first assessment of microplastics and other anthropogenic particles in Hudson Bay and the surrounding eastern Canadian Arctic waters of Nunavut. Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2019-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are a globally ubiquitous contaminant, invading the most remote regions, including the Arctic. To date, our understanding of the distribution and sources of microplastics in the Arctic is limited but growing. This study aims to advance our understanding of microplastics in the Arctic. Surface water, zooplankton, sediment, and snow samples were collected from Hudson Bay to north Baffin Bay onboard the CCGS Amundsen from July to August 2017. Samples were examined for microplastics, which were chemically identified via Raman spectroscopy for surface water and zooplankton and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for sediment. We found that 90% of surface water and zooplankton samples, and 85% of sediment samples, contained microplastics or other anthropogenic particles. Mean anthropogenic particle concentrations, which includes microplastics, were 0.22 ± 0.23 (per litre) for surface water, 3.51 ± 4.00 (per gram) for zooplankton, and 1.94 ± 4.12 (per gram) for sediment. These concentrations were not related to the human populations upstream, suggesting that microplastic contamination in the Arctic is from long-range transport. Overall, this study highlights the presence of microplastics across the eastern Canadian Arctic, in multiple media, and offers evidence of long-range transport via ocean and atmospheric currents. Further research is needed to better understand sources, distribution, and effects to Arctic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Huntington
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Patricia L. Corcoran
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Liisa Jantunen
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Egbert, ON L0L 1N0, Canada
| | - Clara Thaysen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
| | - Sarah Bernstein
- Air Quality Processes Research Section, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Egbert, ON L0L 1N0, Canada
| | - Gary A. Stern
- Centre for Earth Observation Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Chelsea M. Rochman
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada
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17
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Maternal folic acid supplementation does not counteract the deleterious impact of prenatal exposure to environmental pollutants on lipid homeostasis in male rat descendants. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 11:427-437. [DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
AbstractPrenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been associated with the development of metabolic syndrome-related diseases in offspring. According to epidemiological studies, father’s transmission of environmental effects in addition to mother’s can influence offspring health. Moreover, maternal prenatal dietary folic acid (FA) may beneficially impact offspring health. The objective is to investigate whether prenatal FA supplementation can overcome the deleterious effects of prenatal exposure to POPs on lipid homeostasis and inflammation in three generations of male rat descendants through the paternal lineage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (F0) were exposed to a POPs mixture (or corn oil) +/− FA supplementation for 9 weeks before and during gestation. F1 and F2 males were mated with untreated females. Plasma and hepatic lipids were measured in F1, F2, and F3 males after 12-h fast. Gene expression of inflammatory cytokines was determined by qPCR in epididymal adipose tissue. In F1 males, prenatal POPs exposure increased plasma lipids at 14 weeks old and hepatic lipids at 28 weeks old and prenatal FA supplementation decreased plasma total cholesterol at 14 weeks old. Prenatal POPs exposure decreased plasma triglycerides at 14 weeks old in F2 males. No change was observed in inflammatory markers. Our results show an impact of the paternal lineage on lipid homeostasis in rats up to the F2 male generation. FA supplementation of the F0 diet, regardless of POPs exposure, lowered plasma cholesterol in F1 males but failed to attenuate the deleterious effects of prenatal POPs exposure on plasma and hepatic lipids in F1 males.
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18
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Bank-Nielsen PI, Long M, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC. Pregnant Inuit Women's Exposure to Metals and Association with Fetal Growth Outcomes: ACCEPT 2010⁻2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1171. [PMID: 30939809 PMCID: PMC6479494 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16071171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Environmental contaminants such as heavy metals are transported to the Arctic regions via atmospheric and ocean currents and enter the Arctic food web. Exposure is an important risk factor for health and can lead to increased risk of a variety of diseases. This study investigated the association between pregnant women's levels of heavy and essential metals and the birth outcomes of the newborn child. This cross-sectional study is part of the ACCEPT birth cohort (Adaption to Climate Change, Environmental Pollution, and dietary Transition) and included 509 pregnant Inuit women ≥18 years of age. Data were collected in five Greenlandic regions during 2010⁻2015. Population characteristics and birth outcomes were obtained from medical records and midwives, respectively, and blood samples were analyzed for 13 metals. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA, Spearman's rho, and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses. The proportion of current smokers was 35.8%. The levels of cadmium, chromium, and nickel were higher compared to reported normal ranges. Significant regional differences were observed for several metals, smoking, and parity. Cadmium and copper were significantly inversely related to birth outcomes. Heavy metals in maternal blood can adversely influence fetal development and growth in a dose⁻response relationship. Diet and lifestyle factors are important sources of toxic heavy metals and deviant levels of essential metals. The high frequency of smokers in early pregnancy is of concern, and prenatal exposure to heavy metals and other environmental contaminants in the Greenlandic Inuit needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per I. Bank-Nielsen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
| | - Manhai Long
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
| | - Eva C. Bonefeld-Jørgensen
- Centre for Arctic Health and Molecular Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (P.I.B.-N.); (M.L.)
- Greenland Center for Health Research, University of Greenland, 3900 Nuuk, Greenland
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19
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Sawatzky A, Cunsolo A, Jones-Bitton A, Middleton J, Harper SL. Responding to Climate and Environmental Change Impacts on Human Health via Integrated Surveillance in the Circumpolar North: A Systematic Realist Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2706. [PMID: 30513697 PMCID: PMC6313572 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Environments are shifting rapidly in the Circumpolar Arctic and Subarctic regions as a result of climate change and other external stressors, and this has a substantial impact on the health of northern populations. Thus, there is a need for integrated surveillance systems designed to monitor the impacts of climate change on human health outcomes as part of broader adaptation strategies in these regions. This review aimed to identify, describe, and synthesize literature on integrated surveillance systems in Circumpolar Arctic and Subarctic regions, that are used for research or practice. Following a systematic realist review approach, relevant articles were identified using search strings developed for MEDLINE® and Web of Science™ databases, and screened by two independent reviewers. Articles that met the inclusion criteria were retained for descriptive quantitative analysis, as well as thematic qualitative analysis, using a realist lens. Of the 3431 articles retrieved in the database searches, 85 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Thematic analysis identified components of integrated surveillance systems that were categorized into three main groups: structural, processual, and relational components. These components were linked to surveillance attributes and activities that supported the operations and management of integrated surveillance. This review advances understandings of the distinct contributions of integrated surveillance systems and data to discerning the nature of changes in climate and environmental conditions that affect population health outcomes and determinants in the Circumpolar North. Findings from this review can be used to inform the planning, design, and evaluation of integrated surveillance systems that support evidence-based public health research and practice in the context of increasing climate change and the need for adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Sawatzky
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Ashlee Cunsolo
- Labrador Institute of Memorial University, 219 Hamilton River Road, P.O. Box 490, Stn. B, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL A0P 1E0, Canada.
| | - Andria Jones-Bitton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jacqueline Middleton
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Sherilee L Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 116 St. and 85 Ave., Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
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20
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Carlsson P, Breivik K, Brorström-Lundén E, Cousins I, Christensen J, Grimalt JO, Halsall C, Kallenborn R, Abass K, Lammel G, Munthe J, MacLeod M, Odland JØ, Pawlak J, Rautio A, Reiersen LO, Schlabach M, Stemmler I, Wilson S, Wöhrnschimmel H. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as sentinels for the elucidation of Arctic environmental change processes: a comprehensive review combined with ArcRisk project results. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:22499-22528. [PMID: 29956262 PMCID: PMC6096556 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2625-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can be used as chemical sentinels for the assessment of anthropogenic influences on Arctic environmental change. We present an overview of studies on PCBs in the Arctic and combine these with the findings from ArcRisk-a major European Union-funded project aimed at examining the effects of climate change on the transport of contaminants to and their behaviour of in the Arctic-to provide a case study on the behaviour and impact of PCBs over time in the Arctic. PCBs in the Arctic have shown declining trends in the environment over the last few decades. Atmospheric long-range transport from secondary and primary sources is the major input of PCBs to the Arctic region. Modelling of the atmospheric PCB composition and behaviour showed some increases in environmental concentrations in a warmer Arctic, but the general decline in PCB levels is still the most prominent feature. 'Within-Arctic' processing of PCBs will be affected by climate change-related processes such as changing wet deposition. These in turn will influence biological exposure and uptake of PCBs. The pan-Arctic rivers draining large Arctic/sub-Arctic catchments provide a significant source of PCBs to the Arctic Ocean, although changes in hydrology/sediment transport combined with a changing marine environment remain areas of uncertainty with regard to PCB fate. Indirect effects of climate change on human exposure, such as a changing diet will influence and possibly reduce PCB exposure for indigenous peoples. Body burdens of PCBs have declined since the 1980s and are predicted to decline further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Knut Breivik
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2027, Kjeller, Norway
| | | | - Ian Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, 11418, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Christensen
- Department of Bioscience, Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), 0834, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Crispin Halsall
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Sciences (KBM), Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Christian Magnus Falsen Veg 1, 1432, Ås, Norway
- Department of Arctic Technology (AT), University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS), 9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
| | - Khaled Abass
- Department of Pesticides, Menoufia University, P.O. Box 32511, Shebeen El-Kom, Egypt
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Gerhard Lammel
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, 62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - John Munthe
- IVL Swedish Environment Research Institute, 411 33, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Matthew MacLeod
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, 11418, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jon Øyvind Odland
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Janet Pawlak
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), AMAP Secretariat, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arja Rautio
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Lars-Otto Reiersen
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), AMAP Secretariat, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin Schlabach
- NILU-Norwegian Institute for Air Research, 2027, Kjeller, Norway
| | - Irene Stemmler
- Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Meteorology, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simon Wilson
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), AMAP Secretariat, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henry Wöhrnschimmel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, Worblentalstrasse 68, 3063, Ittigen, Switzerland
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Zhang J, Wang X, Gong P, Wang C, Sun D. Seasonal variation and source analysis of persistent organic pollutants in the atmosphere over the western Tibetan Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:24052-24063. [PMID: 29948679 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-2221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) region has become gradually contaminated by persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The picture regarding POPs is clear in the central and southern parts of the TP; however, few observational campaigns have focused on the western TP. To clarify the concentrations, seasonal trends and source regions of POPs in the western TP, a first study of POPs in Muztagh Ata (westerly region) and a long-term (5 years) monitoring program in Ngari (transect region influenced by both the Indian monsoon and westerly climate) were conducted. Except for hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), relatively low POP levels were observed in the western TP. In Muztagh Ata, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) showed higher concentrations in winter and lower ones in summer, whereas at Ngari, higher DDTs and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) concentrations were observed in summer as compared with winter. Source diagnosis indicated that Xinjiang and central Asia were the main source regions for POPs in Muztagh Ata and that westerly winds play a key role in transporting POPs from central Asia. No correlation was found between the height of the atmospheric boundary layer and the concentrations of POPs over the TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Ping Gong
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chuanfei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dianchao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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