Northern exposure: further analysis of the results of the Canadian aboriginal methylmercury program

An initial overall analysis of the Canadian First Nations and Inuit data on methylmercury (MeHg) levels in 38,571 Canadian Aboriginal people has been completed. Patterns of exposure and their relationship to socio-cultural issues and traditional lifestyles are now being further analyzed, especially in the light of the continuing concern regarding the significance of exposure among northern and arctic populations. A mean of 29.8 micrograms/l mercury in blood or blood equivalent, with a range of 1-225.7 micrograms/l, was found among Inuit in the Northwest Territories (NWT). Significant differences in South-North exposure and West-East exposure in NWT are discussed, as are the relationships between exposure of northern residents and development activities further south, and problems of risk management in the context of traditional arctic lifestyles. It is suggested that many of the differences are due to the greater consumption of traditional food in the North. However, with the levels found and current state of knowledge, this should not be seen as a reason to change lifestyles--a change which carries its own negative consequences.