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Drouillard KG, Campbell L, Otieno D, Achiya J, Getabu A, Mwamburi J, Sitoki L, Omondi R, Shitandi A, Owuor B, Njiru J, Bullerjahn G, Mckay RM, Otiso KM, Tebbs E. Increasing mercury bioaccumulation and biomagnification rates of Nile perch (Lates niloticus L.) in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170059. [PMID: 38242476 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170059] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The Nile perch (Lates niloticus L.) commercial fishery for Lake Victoria in East Africa is an important source of revenue and employment. We focused on shifts in food web structure and total mercury (THg) bioaccumulation and biomagnification in Nile perch, and lower food web items collected from Winam Gulf (Kenya) sampled 24 years apart (1998 and 2022). Stable isotope carbon (δ13C) values were higher in all species from 2022 compared to 1998. Stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values in baseline organisms were lower in 2022 compared to 1998. In Nile perch, δ15N values were correlated with total length, but the δ15N-length regressions were steeper in 1998 compared to 2022 except for one large (158 cm) Nile perch from 1998 with an uncharacteristically low δ15N value. Total Hg concentrations were lower in lower trophic species from 2022 compared to 1998. However, the THg bioaccumulation rate (as a function of fish length) in Nile perch was greater in 2022 compared to 1998 resulting in 24.2 % to 42.4 % higher wet weight dorsal THg concentrations in 2022 Nile perch for market slot size (50 to 85 cm) fish. The contrasting observations of increased THg bioaccumulation with size in 2022 against decreases in the rate of trophic increase with size and lower THg concentrations of lower food web items imply reduced fish growth and potential bioenergetic stressors on Winam Gulf Nile perch. All samples except 1 large Nile perch (139 cm total length collected in 2022) had THg concentrations below the European Union trade limit (500 ng/g wet weight). However, for more vulnerable individuals (women, children and frequent fish eaters), we recommend a decrease in maximum monthly meal consumption for 55-75 cm Nile perch from 16 meals per month calculated for 1998 to a limit of 8 meals per month calculated for 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken G Drouillard
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Linda Campbell
- School of the Environment, Saint Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Dennis Otieno
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Achiya
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | - Job Mwamburi
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - James Njiru
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - George Bullerjahn
- Biological Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - R Michael Mckay
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kefa M Otiso
- School of Earth, Environment and Society, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA
| | - Emma Tebbs
- Department of Geography, King's College London, United Kingdom
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2
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Arrifano GDP, Augusto-Oliveira M, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Macchi BM, do Nascimento JLM, Crespo-Lopez ME. Global Human Threat: The Potential Synergism between Mercury Intoxication and COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054207. [PMID: 36901217 PMCID: PMC10001942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected billions of people worldwide, and exposure to toxic metals has emerged as an important risk factor for COVID-19 severity. Mercury is currently ranked as the third toxic substance of global concern for human health, and its emissions to the atmosphere have increased globally. Both COVID-19 and mercury exposure present a high prevalence in similar regions: East and Southeast Asia, South America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Since both factors represent a multiorgan threat, a possible synergism could be exacerbating health injuries. Here, we discuss key aspects in mercury intoxication and SARS-CoV-2 infection, describing the similarities shared in clinical manifestations (especially neurological and cardiovascular outcomes), molecular mechanisms (with a hypothesis in the renin-angiotensin system) and genetic susceptibility (mainly by apolipoprotein E, paraoxonase 1 and glutathione family genes). Literature gaps on epidemiological data are also highlighted, considering the coincident prevalence. Furthermore, based on the most recent evidence, we justify and propose a case study of the vulnerable populations of the Brazilian Amazon. An understanding of the possible adverse synergism between these two factors is crucial and urgent for developing future strategies for reducing disparities between developed and underdeveloped/developing countries and the proper management of their vulnerable populations, particularly considering the long-term sequelae of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela de Paula Arrifano
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Correspondence: (G.d.P.A.); (M.E.C.-L.)
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Letícia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Barbarella Matos Macchi
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Martins do Nascimento
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, PA, Brazil
- Correspondence: (G.d.P.A.); (M.E.C.-L.)
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3
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Moslemi-Aqdam M, Low G, Low M, Laird BD, Branfireun BA, Swanson HK. Estimates, spatial variability, and environmental drivers of mercury biomagnification rates through lake food webs in the Canadian subarctic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 217:114835. [PMID: 36400218 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114835] [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: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnification of mercury (Hg) through lake food webs is understudied in rapidly changing northern regions, where wild-caught subsistence fish are critical to food security. We investigated estimates and among-lake variability of Hg biomagnification rates (BMR), relationships between Hg BMR and Hg levels in subsistence fish, and environmental drivers of Hg BMR in ten remote subarctic lakes in Northwest Territories, Canada. Lake-specific linear regressions between Hg concentrations (total Hg ([THg]) in fish and methyl Hg ([MeHg]) in primary consumers) and baseline-adjusted δ15N ratios were significant (p < 0.001, r2 = 0.58-0.88), indicating biomagnification of Hg through food webs of all studied lakes. Quantified using the slope of Hg-δ15N regressions, Hg BMR ranged from 0.16 to 0.25, with mean ± standard deviation of 0.20 ± 0.03). Using fish [MeHg] rather than [THg] lowered estimates of Hg BMR by ∼10%, suggesting that the use of [THg] as a proxy for [MeHg] in fish can influence estimates of Hg BMR. Among-lake variability of size-standardized [THg] in resident fish species from different trophic guilds, namely Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) and Northern Pike (Esox lucius), was not significantly explained by among-lake variability in Hg BMR. Stepwise multiple regressions indicated that among-lake variability of Hg BMR was best explained by a positive relationship with catchment forest cover (p = 0.009, r2 = 0.59), likely reflecting effects of forest cover on water chemistry of downstream lakes and ultimately, concentrations of biomagnifying MeHg (and percent MeHg of total Hg) in resident biota. These findings improve our understanding of Hg biomagnification in remote subarctic lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George Low
- Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources & Oceans Management, Hay River, NT, Canada
| | - Mike Low
- Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources & Oceans Management, Hay River, NT, Canada
| | - Brian D Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Heidi K Swanson
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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4
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Moslemi-Aqdam M, Baker LF, Baltzer JL, Branfireun BA, Evans MS, Laird BD, Low G, Low M, Swanson HK. Understanding among-lake variability of mercury concentrations in Northern Pike (Esox lucius): A whole-ecosystem study in subarctic lakes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 822:153430. [PMID: 35090925 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mercury concentrations ([Hg]) in fish reflect complex biogeochemical and ecological interactions that occur at a range of spatial and biological scales. Elucidating these interactions is crucial to understanding and predicting fish [Hg], particularly at northern latitudes, where environmental perturbations are having profound effects on land-water-animal interactions, and where fish are a critical subsistence food source. Using data from eleven subarctic lakes that span an area of ~60,000 km2 in the Dehcho Region of Northwest Territories (Canada), we investigated how trophic ecology and growth rates of fish, lake water chemistry, and catchment characteristics interact to affect [Hg] in Northern Pike (Esox lucius), a predatory fish of widespread subsistence and commercial importance. Results from linear regression and piecewise structural equation models showed that 83% of among-lake variability in Northern Pike [Hg] was explained by fish growth rates (negative) and concentrations of methyl Hg ([MeHg]) in benthic invertebrates (positive). These variables were in turn influenced by concentrations of dissolved organic carbon, MeHg (water), and total Hg (sediment) in lakes, which were ultimately driven by catchment characteristics. Lakes in relatively larger catchments and with more temperate/subpolar needleleaf and mixed forests had higher [Hg] in Northern Pike. Our results provide a plausible mechanistic understanding of how interacting processes at scales ranging from whole catchments to individual organisms influence fish [Hg], and give insight into factors that could be considered for prioritizing lakes for monitoring in subarctic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leanne F Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Marlene S Evans
- Water Science and Technology Directorate, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Brian D Laird
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - George Low
- Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources & Oceans Management, Hay River, NT, Canada
| | - Mike Low
- Dehcho Aboriginal Aquatic Resources & Oceans Management, Hay River, NT, Canada
| | - Heidi K Swanson
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada; Water Institute, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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5
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Brammer JR, Menzies AK, Carter LS, Giroux-Bougard X, Landry-Cuerrier M, Leblanc ML, Neelin MN, Studd EK, Humphries MM. Weighing the importance of animal body size in traditional food systems. Facets (Ott) 2022. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional food systems based on harvest from the local environment are fundamental to the well-being of many communities, but their security is challenged by rapid socio-ecological change. We synthesized literature and data describing how a fundamental form of biodiversity, animal body size, contributes to the security of traditional food systems through relationships with species availability, accessibility, adequacy, and use. We found larger vertebrate species were more available, accessible, and used on a per kilogram basis, particularly for mammals. Conversely, larger species were no more or less adequate from a combined nutritional, health, and cultural perspective. Larger species represented more biomass, and this biomass required less time to harvest, with greater but more variable mean caloric returns over time. Smaller species provided more consistent caloric returns and were harvested during documented shortages of prey. This reliance on species with a range of body sizes is consistent with optimal foraging theory and the evolutionary value of flexibility, and highlights the importance of a biodiverse pool of species for traditional food security in times of change. Our synthesis of published literature and data highlights the many socio-ecological correlates of species size and how these relate to the security of traditional food systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy R. Brammer
- Natural Resources Department, Vuntut Gwitchin Government, P.O. Box 94, Old Crow, Yukon, Y0B 1N0, Canada
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Raven Road, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Allyson K. Menzies
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Laurence S. Carter
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Xavier Giroux-Bougard
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Manuelle Landry-Cuerrier
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Melanie-Louise Leblanc
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Mikhaela N. Neelin
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Emily K. Studd
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Murray M. Humphries
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC H9X 3V9, Canada
- Centre for Indigenous Peoples’ Nutrition and Environment, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Québec H9X 3V9, Canada
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6
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Fallon C, Lemire M, Dumont D, Parent E, Figueroa E, Cummings I, Brousseau J, Marquis M, Paquet N, Plante S, Witteman HO. Toward Food Sovereignty for Coastal Communities of Eastern Québec: Co-designing A Website to Support Consumption of Edible Resources from the St. Lawrence River, Estuary, and Gulf. MDM Policy Pract 2022; 7:23814683221094477. [PMID: 35479298 PMCID: PMC9036343 DOI: 10.1177/23814683221094477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Despite the abundance and proximity of edible marine resources, coastal communities along the St. Lawrence in Eastern Québec rarely consume these resources. Within a community-based food sovereignty project, Manger notre Saint-Laurent (“Sustenance from our St. Lawrence”), members of participating communities (3 non-Indigenous, 1 Indigenous) identified a need for a web-based decision tool to help make informed consumption choices. Methods. We thus aimed to co-design a prototype website that facilitates informed choices about consuming local edible marine resources based on seasonal and regional availability, food safety, nutrition, and sustainability, with community members, regional stakeholders, and experts in user experience design and web development. We conducted 48 interviews with a variety of people over 3 iterative cycles, assessing the prototype’s ease of use with a validated measure, the System Usability Scale. Results. Community members, regional stakeholders, and other experts identified problematic elements in initial versions of the website (e.g., confusing symbols). We resolved issues and added features people identified as useful. Usability scores reached “best imaginable” for both the second and the third versions and did not differ significantly between sociodemographic groups. The final prototype includes a tool to explore each species and index cards to regroup accurate evidence relevant to each species. Conclusions. Engaging co-designers with different sociodemographic characteristics brought together a variety of perspectives. Several components would not have been included without co-designers’ input; other components were greatly improved thanks to their feedback. Co-design approaches in research and intervention development are preferable to foster the inclusion of a variety of people. Once the prototype is programmed and available online, we hope to evaluate the website to determine its effects on food choices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Qc, Canada
- Research Center of CHU de Québec, Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Dany Dumont
- Institut des sciences de la mer de Rimouski, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Qc, Canada
| | | | | | - Isabelle Cummings
- Centre de recherche sur les milieux insulaires et maritimes, Havre-aux-Maisons, Qc, Canada
| | - Julie Brousseau
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie Marquis
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Nicolas Paquet
- franC doc, rang Saint-Adolphe, Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, Qc, Canada
| | - Steve Plante
- Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Qc, Canada
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7
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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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8
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Pontual MDM, Ayotte P, Little M, Furgal C, Boyd AD, Muckle G, Avard E, Ricard S, Gauthier MJ, Sidi EAL, Lemire M. Seasonal variations in exposure to methylmercury and its dietary sources among pregnant Inuit women in Nunavik, Canada. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 755:143196. [PMID: 33183817 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143196] [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: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Among populations living in close connection with the sea, rivers and lakes for subsistence, diet varies according to local monthly wildlife species availability and food preferences. This may lead to variations in methylmercury (MeHg) exposure over a year, although no biomonitoring studies have documented this issue in Circumpolar populations, the most exposed to international Hg emissions. Our aim was to characterize seasonal variations in MeHg exposure among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik and to identify country foods responsible for these variations. Between October 2016 and March 2017, 97 participants were recruited. Blood mercury (Hg) was tested and hair Hg was measured by centimeter as a surrogate for monthly MeHg exposure over the past year. Latent class growth analysis was conducted to identify groups of pregnant women with similar hair Hg monthly trajectories. Country foods consumption was documented by season. Seasonal daily intakes of MeHg were estimated based on concentrations in country foods. Retrospective monthly hair Hg analyses revealed that MeHg exposure was lowest in winter, and highest in summer and early fall months. Three latent classes (groups) of pregnant women with similar trajectories of monthly hair Hg variations were identified: high (n = 20, 21%), moderate (n = 38, 41%) and low variation (n = 35, 38%). Beluga meat was the country food contributing to most of daily MeHg intake, primarily during summer and fall, and was the only one associated with the odds of being classified into moderate and high variation groups (OR 95% CI: 1.19 [1.01-1.39] and 1.25 [1.04-1.50]). These findings underscore the importance of monthly variations in exposure to MeHg due to the seasonality of local foods consumed and responsible for elevated MeHg exposure. Further studies critically need to understand local diet fluctuations over a year to adequately assess MeHg exposure, adopt timely preventive interventions and evaluate the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana de Moraes Pontual
- Chaire Littoral, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé: Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval: Pavillon Ferdinand Vandry 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; Centre de toxicologie, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada.
| | - Matthew Little
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Chris Furgal
- Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada.
| | - Amanda D Boyd
- The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States.
| | - Gina Muckle
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; École de psychologie, Université Laval: Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, FAS-1222, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Ellen Avard
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, QC, Canada.
| | - Sylvie Ricard
- Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services, Kuujjuaq, QC, Canada.
| | | | - Elhadji Anassour-Laouan Sidi
- Bureau d'information et d'études en santé des populations, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, QC G1V 5B3, Canada.
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Chaire Littoral, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé: Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval: Pavillon Ferdinand Vandry 1050, avenue de la Médecine, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Axe Santé des Populations et Pratiques Optimales en Santé Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada.
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9
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Moriarity RJ, Liberda EN, Tsuji LJS. Using a geographic information system to assess local scale methylmercury exposure from fish in nine communities of the Eeyou Istchee territory (James Bay, Quebec, Canada). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 191:110147. [PMID: 32877705 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to methylmercury is a concern for those who rely on fish as a traditional food in the Eeyou Istchee territory of James Bay, Quebec, Canada, because industrial land uses overlap with community water bodies where fish are harvested. Consequently, this study assessed if traditional practices, particularly fishing, increased the risk of exposure to methylmercury from the consumption of locally harvested fish. We designed a geographic information system (GIS) that included land use and fish methylmercury tissue concentrations to assess clustering of potential hot spots. We also used generalized linear models to assess the association of fish consumption to blood organic-mercury concentrations, and logistic regression models to assess the probability of fish exceeding the safety threshold for methylmercury tissue concentrations in areas of high intensity land use. The GIS demonstrated significant clustered hot spots around regions of hydroelectric and mining land use. Our results also revealed that adult consumption of pike, lake trout and/or walleye, and child consumption of pike or walleye were significantly associated with blood organic-mercury concentrations. Further, large fish harvested in a community with high intensity land use yielded a 77% probability that the fish exceeded the safety threshold. From a human exposure perspective, our study highlights the need for further research on children who consume fish from this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Moriarity
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ratelle M, Packull-McCormick S, Bouchard M, Majowicz S, Laird B. Human biomonitoring of metals in sub-Arctic Dene communities of the Northwest Territories, Canada. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 190:110008. [PMID: 32763278 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A human biomonitoring project investigating environmental exposures to metals from hair, blood and urine samples was implemented in the Northwest Territories, Canada, between January 2016 and March 2018. This study reports the metal biomarker levels from nine Dene communities located in the Dehcho and Sahtú regions to identify contaminants of interest. Levels of metals in the urine (n = 198), blood (n = 276) and hair (n = 443) samples were generally similar to those seen in other biomonitoring studies in Canada, but lead levels in blood (GM = 16 μg/L; 95th percentile = 71 μg/L) and urine (GM = 0.59 μg/L, 0.69 μg/g of creatinine; 95th percentile = 4.2 μg/L, 4.0 μg/g of creatinine) were higher than those observed in the Canadian Health Measure Survey (CHMS, cycles 2 and 5). Hair mercury (but not blood mercury) appeared higher than observed in participants from the CHMS cycle 5. The vast majority of participants had biomarker levels below the biomonitoring guidance values established for mercury and lead. Based on a comparative analysis of biomarker statistics relative to a nationally-representative survey, metals and essential trace elements of particular interest for follow-up research include: lead, manganese, mercury, and selenium. This project provided baseline biomarker levels in participating regions, which is essential to track changes in the future, and identify the contaminants to prioritize for further investigation of exposure determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylene Ratelle
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada.
| | - Sara Packull-McCormick
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada.
| | - Michele Bouchard
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Chair in Toxicological Risk Assessment and Management, Université de Montréal, Roger-Gaudry Building, Room U424, P.O. Box 6128, Main Station, Montreal, H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Shannon Majowicz
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada.
| | - Brian Laird
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, N2L 3G1, ON, Canada.
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11
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Moriarity RJ, Liberda EN, Tsuji LJS. Subsistence fishing in the Eeyou Istchee (James Bay, Quebec, Canada): A regional investigation of fish consumption as a route of exposure to methylmercury. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 258:127413. [PMID: 32947681 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Fishing is part of the traditional activities of Indigenous people in Canada. However, it is also a route of exposure to methylmercury, a known neurotoxicant, and this is a concern for those who rely on fish as part of their diet. The probable weekly intake (PWI) of methylmercury from six species of fish was calculated for Indigenous community members (N = 1406), grouped by age and sex, and compared to Canadian and international provisional reference doses to assess exposure. Mixed-effects regression models were also used to estimate the input of methylmercury into the blood, and Hazard Quotients (HQ) were used to assess potential effects. Of the species of fish in our study, walleye and lake trout contributed the most to methylmercury intake. There was a positive association between the consumption of walleye and the total blood mercury concentrations of mercury in women and men (R2A = 0.40 and 0.47, respectively), and to a lesser extent, children. Similar results were observed for the consumption of lake trout. The 95th-percentile HQ for girls (3.16) and boys (3.18) from the consumption of lake trout was relatively high, and to a lesser extent, so was the HQ for walleye and pike. The consumption of some species of fish increases the exposure to methylmercury, however, taking a balanced approach, there are health benefits associated with the consumption of fish that must be considered. To mitigate future exposure to methylmercury, we recommend follow-up blood monitoring and local-geospatial-based assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Moriarity
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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12
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McVea DA, Cumming E, Rahim T, Kosatsky T. A descriptive analysis of blood mercury test results in British Columbia to identify excessive exposures. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2020; 112:342-348. [PMID: 32780346 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-020-00340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to describe who in British Columbia (BC) is tested for blood mercury, the distribution of their results, and the adequacy of follow-up testing. METHODS The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) obtained records of clinician-ordered analyses of blood mercury conducted by BC laboratories during 2009 and 2010. We conducted a descriptive analysis with statistical testing of who was tested, the distribution of their blood mercury concentrations, whose results exceeded Health Canada's proposed guidance values (8 μg/L (40 nmol/L) for children/adolescents ≤ 18 years and women 19-49 years, and 20 μg/L (100 nmol/L) for other adults), and patterns of repeat testing. RESULTS Mercury test results for 6487 individuals were reviewed. Adults ≥ 50 years had the highest testing rates. The median blood mercury concentration for all tested persons was 1.8 μg/L. Nine percent of women aged 19-49 years had results exceeding Health Canada's provisional guidance value of 8 μg/L. Data from one of BC's two biomarker laboratories indicated that some residents of Vancouver and nearby suburbs have higher exposure to mercury than other BC residents. Of 127 individuals who had results in 2009 exceeding provisional guidance values, only 45% were tested again within 12 months. CONCLUSION Collating and analyzing all clinical biomarker testing such as blood mercury at a provincial population level allows for assessment of the adequacy and appropriateness of follow-up testing and suggests which regional and demographic strata are at higher levels of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A McVea
- University of British Columbia Public Health and Preventive Medicine Residency, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emma Cumming
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tissa Rahim
- Environmental Health Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tom Kosatsky
- Environmental Health Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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13
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Lamoureux-Tremblay V, Muckle G, Maheu F, Jacobson SW, Jacobson JL, Ayotte P, Bélanger RE, Saint-Amour D. Risk factors associated with developing anxiety in Inuit adolescents from Nunavik. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2020; 81:106903. [PMID: 32512128 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2020.106903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the relation between anxiety among the at-risk population of Inuit adolescents and diverse developmental risk factors including exposure to environmental chemicals, a subject of concern in Nunavik. Anxiety was assessed in 89 Inuit participants (mean age = 18.4 years; range = 16.2-21.9) with the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Potential risk factors for anxiety were documented at birth, 11 years of age and 18 years of age, including blood levels of chemicals (mercury, lead, PCBs) and nutrients, as well as age, sex, estimated IQ, drug and alcohol use, bullying, exposure to domestic violence, food insecurity, crowding and socio-economic status. Results showed that participants scored high on both measures of anxiety, particularly the SCARED, for which the mean score was above the clinical threshold. Multiple regression results show that significant risk predictors obtained from the SCARED scores were female sex (β = 0.32), higher current blood mercury concentration (β = 0.26), food insecurity (β = 0.26) and bullying experiences in the last year (β = 0.21). The significant predictors for the STAI trait anxiety were food insecurity (β = 0.25) and lower estimated IQ (β = -0.31), whereas food insecurity (β = 0.21), lower blood levels of vitamin E (β = -0.25) and higher cord blood mercury concentrations (β = 0.25) were found for STAI situational anxiety. Further regression analyses suggested that the adolescent-related variables were the most important risk factors. Our findings show that Inuit adolescents are at risk for anxiety via multiple contributing factors, particularly current exposure to mercury, food insecurity and female sex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gina Muckle
- École de Psychologie, Université Laval, 2325, rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Françoise Maheu
- Université de Montréal, 90 Avenue Vincent-D'Indy, Outremont, Montréal, Québec H2V 2S9, Canada
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Drive, Detroit 48201, United States
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Drive, Detroit 48201, United States
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Département de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Faculté de Médecine, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Université Laval, Québec, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Richard E Bélanger
- Département de Pédiatrie, Université Laval, Centre mère-enfant Soleil du CHU de Québec, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Québec, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Dave Saint-Amour
- Université du Québec à Montréal, 320 Sainte-Catherine Est, Pavillon J.A. De Sève, Montréal, Québec H2X 1L7, Canada..
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14
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Ecosystem approaches to the risk for schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2020; 220:278-280. [PMID: 32299718 PMCID: PMC7151320 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Martinez-Levasseur LM, Simard M, Furgal CM, Burness G, Bertrand P, Suppa S, Avard E, Lemire M. Towards a better understanding of the benefits and risks of country food consumption using the case of walruses in Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 719:137307. [PMID: 32143094 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Food insecurity affects Inuit communities. One solution is to consume locally harvested foods, named country foods. However, some country foods are not eaten as often as before, and pressures including contaminants and environmental changes threaten the health of Arctic fauna, thus its suitability for local consumption. By combining Inuit Knowledge with laboratory data, our study assessed the benefits and risks of walrus consumption by Inuit in Nunavik, Québec, Canada. It aimed to increase understanding of: 1) the hunt of healthy Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus); 2) the safe preparation of walruses; 3) the nutritional benefits and risks of consuming walruses. To do so, we interviewed 34 hunters and Elders from Nunavik. Levels of mercury, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenium were evaluated from locally harvested walruses. Through the Nunavik Trichinellosis Prevention Program, a total of 755 Atlantic walrus samples, collected between 1994 and 2013, were tested for Trichinella nativa. Information on botulism was reviewed. While interviews informed on how to select healthy walruses and prepare them for consumption, laboratory analyses revealed that walruses had elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids and selenium but low levels of mercury compared to some other wildlife. Only 3% of the 755 walruses were infected with T. nativa. Most walruses' infections were found within individuals from the South East Hudson Bay stock, where Inuit have thus decided to stop hunting since mid-2000s. Finally, although the number of outbreaks of trichinellosis related to the consumption of walruses has significantly reduced in Nunavik, botulism could continue to be an issue when igunaq (i.e. aged walrus) is not properly prepared. With the support of the Nunavik Trichinellosis Prevention Program and transmission of Inuit knowledge on igunaq preparation, the consumption of Atlantic walruses has the potential to help address issues related to food insecurity in Nunavik in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Martinez-Levasseur
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada; Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - M Simard
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, Québec J0M 1C0, Canada
| | - C M Furgal
- Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - G Burness
- Department of Biology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - P Bertrand
- Department of Biology and Center for Northern Studies, Université du Québec, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada; Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, Tromsø 9296, Norway
| | - S Suppa
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, Québec J0M 1C0, Canada
| | - E Avard
- Nunavik Research Centre, Makivik Corporation, Kuujjuaq, Québec J0M 1C0, Canada
| | - M Lemire
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec City, Québec G1S 4L8, Canada
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16
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Kenny TA, Archambault P, Ayotte P, Batal M, Chan HM, Cheung W, Eddy TD, Little M, Ota Y, Pétrin-Desrosiers C, Plante S, Poitras J, Polanco F, Singh G, Lemire M. Oceans and human health—navigating changes on Canada’s coasts. Facets (Ott) 2020. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2020-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocean conditions can affect human health in a variety of ways that are often overlooked and unappreciated. Oceans adjacent to Canada are affected by many anthropogenic stressors, with implications for human health and well-being. Climate change further escalates these pressures and can expose coastal populations to unique health hazards and distressing conditions. However, current research efforts, education or training curriculums, and policies in Canada critically lack explicit consideration of these ocean–public health linkages. The objective of this paper is to present multiple disciplinary perspectives from academics and health practitioners to inform the development of future directions for research, capacity development, and policy and practice at the interface of oceans and human health in Canada. We synthesize major ocean and human health linkages in Canada, and identify climate-sensitive drivers of change, drawing attention to unique considerations in Canada. To support effective, sustained, and equitable collaborations at the nexus of oceans and human health, we recommend the need for progress in three critical areas: ( i) holistic worldviews and perspectives, ( ii) capacity development, and ( iii) structural supports. Canada can play a key role in supporting the global community in addressing the health challenges of climate and ocean changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiff-Annie Kenny
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Philippe Archambault
- Département de biologie, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- ArcticNet, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Malek Batal
- Département de nutrition, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre de recherche en santé publique (CReSP), Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - William Cheung
- Institute of Oceans and Fisheries (IOF), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tyler D. Eddy
- Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, Fisheries & Marine Institute, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5R3, Canada
| | - Matthew Little
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Yoshitaka Ota
- Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus Center, EarthLab, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5674, USA
- School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-5685, USA
| | - Claudel Pétrin-Desrosiers
- Département de médecine familiale et de médecine d’urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Association canadienne des médecins pour l’environnement/Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (ACME/CAPE), Toronto, ON M5T 2C2, Canada
| | - Steve Plante
- Département Sociétés territoires et développement, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC G5L 3A1, Canada
| | - Julien Poitras
- Département de médecine familiale et de médecine d’urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Fernando Polanco
- School of Medicine, St. George’s University, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies
| | - Gerald Singh
- Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Mélanie Lemire
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Axe santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé, Centre de recherche du CHU de québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Institut de biologie intégrative et des systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Puty B, Leão LKR, Crespo-Lopez ME, Almeida APCPSC, Fagundes NCF, Maia LC, Lima RR. Association between methylmercury environmental exposure and neurological disorders: A systematic review. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2019; 52:100-110. [PMID: 30732869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The mercury-related central nervous system disorders have been extensively studied on animal models and human beings. However, clinical evidences of which neurological changes are in fact associated with mercury exposure remains controversial. This systematic review (Prospero registration under the number CRD42016041760) aimed to elucidate the association of methylmercury (MeHg) exposure with neurological alteration in populations living in MeHg-endemic risk area. A systematic search was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis criteria using available databases PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, OpenGrey and Google Scholar. A search of the following terms: "methylmercury compounds", "organomercury compounds", "neurologic manifestations", "memory disorders", "neurobehavioral manifestations" and "communication disorders" were performed in a systematic way. Studies focusing on MeHg exposure and subsequent neurological alteration on humans (>13 years) were included. Evaluation of methodological quality and risk of bias as well as the level of evidence was performed. Our results have identified 470 studies and six articles were eligible for systematic review inclusion criteria. The studies suggested alterations related to the psychosensory, motor and coordination system, as well as motor speech, hearing, visual impairment, mood alterations and loss of intelligent quotient. Of all the six studies, two presented a high risk of bias, with methodological problems related to the confounding factors and all studies presented evidence level ranged from very low to low. In this way our results revealed that a definitive demonstration of an association of MeHg and neurological alterations in human beings is still a pending subject. Future studies in this topic should take into consideration more confident and reliable methods to answer this question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Puty
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem, Brazil.
| | - Luana Ketlen Reis Leão
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem, Brazil.
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Lucianne Cople Maia
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Rodrigues Lima
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Para, Belem, Brazil.
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Ripley S, Robinson E, Johnson-Down L, Andermann A, Ayotte P, Lucas M, Nieboer E. Blood and hair mercury concentrations among Cree First Nations of Eeyou Istchee (Quebec, Canada): time trends, prenatal exposure and links to local fish consumption. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 77:1474706. [PMID: 29785879 PMCID: PMC5965033 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2018.1474706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To describe exposure to methylmercury among Cree, focusing on women of childbearing age, we used data from 2 studies. Multiple regression was employed to examine associations between blood and hair mercury concentrations and consumption of locally harvested fish. Approximately 9.9% of non-pregnant women aged 15-44 y and 3.9% of pregnant women required follow-up according to Health Canada's blood mercury guidance value of 40 nmol/L. 8% of hair mercury observations in the non-pregnant women and 2.5% among pregnant women exceeded the equivalent threshold of 10 nmol/g. The geometric mean blood mercury concentration was 12.7 nmol/L in 1,429 persons aged 8 and over, and 17.7 nmol/L in adults aged 18 and older. The proportion of hair mercury concentrations greater than 12.5 nmol/g decreased in all age-sex groups when comparing the 2002-2009 data to published values for 1993-1994. Among women of childbearing age, local fish consumption was associated with increased blood and hair mercury concentrations. While over 90% of women of childbearing age in this population have acceptable levels of mercury, ongoing intake of mercury suggests that their consumption of fish with known high mercury content be minimised. Reducing consumption of fish known to be high in mercury content needs to be balanced with promoting ongoing connection to Cree culture and land-based activities that are also important determinants of health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Ripley
- a Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health , McGill University , Montréal , Québec , Canada
| | - Elizabeth Robinson
- a Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health , McGill University , Montréal , Québec , Canada.,b Public Health Department , Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay , Mistissini , Québec , Canada
| | - Louise Johnson-Down
- c School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition , McGill University, Sainte Anne de Bellevue , Québec , Canada
| | - Anne Andermann
- a Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health , McGill University , Montréal , Québec , Canada.,b Public Health Department , Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay , Mistissini , Québec , Canada.,d Department of Family Medicine , McGill University , Montréal , Québec , Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- e Department of Social & Preventive Medicine , Laval University , Québec , QC , Canada.,f Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé , Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval , Québec , QC , Canada.,g Quebec Toxicology Centre , Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec , Québec , QC , Canada
| | - Michel Lucas
- e Department of Social & Preventive Medicine , Laval University , Québec , QC , Canada.,f Axe Santé des populations et pratiques optimales en santé , Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec - Université Laval , Québec , QC , Canada
| | - Evert Nieboer
- h Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences , McMaster University , Hamilton , ON , Canada
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19
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Adamou TY, Riva M, Muckle G, Laouan-Sidi EA, Ayotte P. Socio-economic inequalities in blood mercury (Hg) and serum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2018; 109:671-683. [PMID: 30030682 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-018-0077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the relationships between socio-economic characteristics and mercury (Hg) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations among pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik. METHOD We used biomonitoring data from 208 pregnant Inuit women recruited in the 14 villages of Nunavik between September 2011 and December 2013. Blood samples were collected to monitor levels of blood Hg and serum congener PCB-153 (surrogate of total PCB concentration). Ratio of omega 3/omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a validated biomarker of marine country food consumption, was also measured in red blood cell membranes to determine maternal dietary profile. Data on socio-economic characteristics (income and education), health-related lifestyles, and reproductive history were collected through questionnaires. Association between socio-economic characteristics and contaminant concentrations was assessed using linear regressions. RESULTS We observed a significant inverse relationship between education and Hg levels. Lower concentrations of Hg were observed among women who had completed high school compared to women who had not completed high school. However, no association was observed between level of education and concentration of PCBs. CONCLUSION Socio-economic disparities in maternal exposure to Hg exist in Nunavik. Further research is needed to determine whether environmental health inequalities also exist in other subgroups of the Nunavik population and in other Indigenous communities in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thérèse Yéro Adamou
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada. .,Faculty of Nursing, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand Vandry, 1050 avenue de la médecine, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Mylène Riva
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Burnside Hall Building, 805 Sherbrooke street west, Montreal, QC, H3A 0B9, Canada.,Institute for Health and Social Policy, McGill University, Avenue des pins, Montréal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada.,School of Psychology, Université Laval, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, 2325 rue des Bibliothèques, Québec, Qc, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Elhadji Anassour Laouan-Sidi
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - Pierre Ayotte
- Population Health and Practice-changing Research Group, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Hôpital Saint-Sacrement, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, G1S 4L8, Canada.,Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, 945 avenue Wolfe, Québec, Qc, G1V 5B3, Canada
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Mosa A, Duffin J. The interwoven history of mercury poisoning in Ontario and Japan. CMAJ 2016; 189:E213-E215. [PMID: 27920011 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.160943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mosa
- Queen's University School of Medicine, Kingston, Ont
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Gautier L, Pirkle CM, Furgal C, Lucas M. Assessment of the implementation fidelity of the Arctic Char Distribution Project in Nunavik, Quebec. BMJ Glob Health 2016; 1:e000093. [PMID: 28588959 PMCID: PMC5321351 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In September 2011, the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services began supporting the Arctic Char Distribution Project (AC/DP) for pregnant women. This initiative promoted consumption of the fish Arctic char-a traditional Inuit food-by pregnant women living in villages of Nunavik, an area in northern Quebec (Canada) inhabited predominantly by people of Inuit ethnicity. This intervention was intended to reduce exposure to contaminants and improve food security in Inuit communities. METHODS We assessed the project's implementation based on data collected from background documentation, field notes and qualitative interviews with project recipients and implementers. Themes emerging from the data are critically discussed in the light of the framework for implementation fidelity developed by Carroll et al in 2007. RESULTS Pregnant women fully embraced the initiative because of its cultural appropriateness. However, project implementation was incomplete: first because it did not cover all intended geographic areas, and second because of a recurring inconsistency in the supply and distribution of the fish. In addition, the initiative has been inconsistently funded and relies on multiple funding sources. DISCUSSION This work highlights the extent to which project complexity can impede successful implementation, particularly in terms of communication and coordination. We provide recommendations for improving project implementation and suggest amendments to the implementation fidelity framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Gautier
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Public Health Research Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Centre d'Etudes en Sciences Sociales sur les Mondes Africains, Américains et Asiatiques, Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Catherine M Pirkle
- Office of Public Health Studies, University of Hawaii-Mãnoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Christopher Furgal
- Indigenous Environmental Studies Program, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michel Lucas
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada.,Population Health and Optimal Health Practices Research Unit, CHU de Québec Research Centre, Québec, Québec, Canada
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