CACAR II factsheet

Northern Contaminants Program The Northern Contaminants Program (NCP) was established in 1991 in response to concerns about human exposure to elevated levels of contaminants in the fish and wildlife species important for the Canadian Arctic Contaminants traditional/country food diets of northern Aboriginal Assessment Report II peoples. Early studies indicated that a wide spectrum of substances – persistent organic pollutants, heavy Highlights Report metals, and radionuclides – many of which had no Arctic or Canadian sources, were nevertheless reaching unexpectedly high levels in the Arctic ecosystem. The CACAR II Highlights report presents in plain language the main results of the four technical reports in the CACAR II series. The first phase of the NCP (NCP–I) (1991-1996) focussed on gathering the data required to determine The North is particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants. the levels, geographic extent, and sources of contami- Persistent organic pollutants – POPs – disappear more slowly and nants in the northern atmosphere, environment and persist longer than in southern regions. Traditional/country foods its people, and the probable duration of the problem. are a major route for human contaminant exposure and Aboriginal Results from NCP-I were published in 1997 in the northerners have fewer acceptable alternatives to these foods than first Canadian Arctic Contaminants Assessment Report do most other Canadians. Contaminants can therefore be of concern (CACAR). to northern Aboriginal people. During its second phase, which ran from 1998–2003, the NCP focussed on: The traditional knowledge (TK) of the northern Aboriginal peoples, together with western science, have made valuable and comple- impacts and risks to human health that may mentary contributions to defining the problem of contaminants in result from current levels of contaminants in key Arctic food species northern Canada and in setting priorities under the NCP. This grass- roots perspective involves connecting with people in communities, temporal trends of contaminants of concern meeting concerns, and conducting research to provide answers in important indicator Arctic species and air about traditional/country foods. improved education and communications activities involving northern communities Contaminants in the physical environment efforts to control contaminant production, use and disposal at the international level Contaminants enter the food web from the physical environment (e.g. air, snow, water, soils). Although levels of contaminants in NCP–II addressed these issues under a number of the physical environment are not of direct concern to the health subprograms: human health; monitoring the health of people or animals, they can become a concern once they enter of Arctic peoples and ecosystems and the effectiveness the food web and certain traditional/country food species. of international controls; education and communica- tions; and international policy. The results of the Most human-made contaminants arrive in the North on air currents research and related activities conducted during NCP–II from sources such as Europe, Russia, North America and Asia. Oceans are summarized in the Canadian Arctic Contaminants are also important for transporting e.g. the beta- and, increasingly, Assessment Report II (CACAR II) series of reports, which the alpha-hexachlorocyclohexanes (alpha- and beta-HCHs). was released in March 2003. CACAR II is a comprehen- sive assessment of the last five years of research and related activities on northern contaminants funded under the NCP. Five fact sheets have been developed, one for each of the CACAR II reports. These fact sheets provide a snapshot of many of the significant NCP research results described in each report.

Indian and Northern Affaires indiennes Affairs Canada et du Nord Canada Industrial Agricultural

Figure 1: Sources of Agricultural and Industrial Contaminants

Some contaminants come from countries that still Organizations and Committees liaise between scientists actively use them, while leftover residues may be the and harvesters and some researchers have employed main sources of other contaminants (Figure 1). local people to conduct and record interviews. The levels of most contaminants in the air are There is no evidence that levels of mercury or other declining slowly across the Arctic including northern heavy metals are increasing overall in fish or wildlife, Canada though it is not yet possible to tell whether though mercury is increasing in seabirds, and both mercury levels are increasing or decreasing. Several mercury and cadmium are elevated in marine mammals new human-made POPs have been detected at very near the mouths of large rivers. low levels, including the brominated flame retardants (e.g. PBDEs), chlorinated paraffins (PCAs) and Ringed Seals perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Levels of some contaminants (especially mercury and A potentially important phenomenon involving new POPs) are increasing in the organs of some ringed mercury was discovered by Canadian scientists during seal populations but there is much variation from seal NCP-II called a Mercury Depletion Event (MDE). Each to seal (Figure 2). While still very low, levels of PBDEs year as the sun reappears after the long polar night, are now nine times higher than they were in 1981 in atmospheric mercury is transformed and deposited seal blubber from Holman (Uluqsaqtuuq). Levels of onto the snow surface. MDEs may be an important older POPs in ringed seal blubber tend to be similar pathway for making atmospheric mercury available across the North and are decreasing in some popula- to plants and animals. tions. There is no evidence that current levels of contaminants are a health hazard to the seals. Contaminants in the biological environment Beluga Whales Mercury levels have quadrupled in the livers of beluga Seals, whales, caribou and different species of fish whales from the Beaufort coast during the 1990s, and are some of the most frequently consumed traditional/ increased at least 10 times in belugas from western country foods among northern Aboriginal peoples, Hudson Bay. The mercury may have come from distant and contaminants were studied in these and other emissions, or from mercury released from local soils as important species. the climate warms. The levels of some POPs in belugas Many NCP projects rely on community involvement are decreasing (e.g., PCBs, dieldrin), while others are to collect fish and wildlife samples. Local harvesters staying the same (e.g., DDT, toxaphene), or even have gained experience in scientific sampling of wild- increasing (e.g., chlordane, endosulfan). life and are highly skilled in maintaining standards and procedures. Often local Hunters and Trappers

2 CACAR II factsheet Highlights Report 13.6 Ausuittuq (Grise Fiord)

3.9 Mittimatalik/ Mackenzie Qausuittuq 10.3 () Delta (Resolute) 10.6 Ikpiarjuk 43.8 (Arctic Bay)

8.6 8.7 Paulatuk 12.6 (Paulatuuq) Panniqtuuq (Pangnirtung) 3.4 16.3 Naujoat/ Iqaluit (Repulse Bay) 8.8

Kimmirut G-1995-001: 2608 GNWT/NWT Archives 12.9 4.1 Hudson 16.3 9.6 Salliq Strait Labrador () Ungava Bay 12.5 35.3 Mercury levels (g/g) Arviat

3.4–12.0 12.1–20.9 21.0–43.8 21.1 Sanikilluaq (Sanikiluaq) ringed seal beluga ITK/Eric Loring ITK/Eric

Figure 2: Levels of mercury in the livers of ringed seals and belugas

Polar bears Breastfeeding should definitely continue since the Polar bears, located at the top of the food web, are benefits to both mother and child outweigh the able to biotransform many POPs into potentially more currently known risks. toxic forms. Scientists are more concerned about the Comprehensive surveys were undertaken of Inuit effects of POPs on polar bears than any other wildlife eating habits, complementing previous studies of the species. PCBs are known to cause problems with both dietary habits of Yukon First Nations, Dene and Métis. vitamin A and the thyroid hormone in polar bears. Traditional/country foods strengthen bones and teeth, and help keep the heart, lungs and blood healthy. They Caribou and other land animals also help people fight illness, injury and disease better Research with caribou and a number of other land than the popular market foods. In contrast, switching to animals shows that POPs are found at only very low popular market foods may result in people consuming levels and are not of concern. The higher cadmium saturated fats and sugars above recommended levels, levels found in caribou are thought to have remained becoming overweight, and developing “western-style” the same over thousands of years, and to come mostly health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. from natural sources. Other benefits of traditional/country food are social, spiritual and cultural. Preparing and sharing food helps Human Health individuals to feel part of the group, and reinforces a An important part of the NCP involves evaluating and sense of distinct culture. Young people are provided communicating the benefits of traditional/country foods with skills necessary for living off the land and develop and the risks from contaminants, so that residents are qualities such as responsibility, patience and respect. able to make informed decisions about their food use. There are also clear economic reasons which support Nutritional and other benefits continued and extensive use of traditional/country foods. Up to 78% of Inuit state that they would not Overall, traditional/country foods are healthy, nutri- be able to feed their families based only on store- tious and provide many benefits not available from bought food. other foods or practices. The health risks are currently outweighed by the benefits of continuing to harvest, prepare and consume traditional/country foods.

3 CACAR II factsheet Highlights Report 1.0 1.0

1.2 0.8 0.78 4 20 TDI 1.0 TDI TDI TDI 0.30 TDI

0.6 0.8 3 2.8 2.9 19 0.6 0.4 2 0.28 0.55 0.4 2.0 0.35 0.4 18 1.4 0.2 0.23 1 1.1 0.2 0.27 0.26 0.2 0.16 0.26 17 0 0 0 Cadmium Mercury Lead 16 TDI: 1 g/kg TDI: 0.71 g/kg TDI: 3.57 g/kg 0.24

15 0.22

14

0.20 13

12 0.18

11 Inuvialuit 0.16

Kitikmeot 10 Kivalliq 0.14

g/kg of body weight per day) weight body of g/kg 9 Baffin Labrador

8 0.12 2.5

Daily intake ( Daily intake 7 2.29 0.10

2 0.5 6

0.08 5 0.42 0.4 1.25 1.5

4 0.06 1.0 TDI 0.06 0.3 1.01

1 3 0.75 0.04 0.04 0.2 0.2 0.71 2 0.5

0.5 0.42 0.02 0.1 0.02 0.02 1 0.08 0.25 0.26 0.25 0.07 0.72 TDI TDI 0.17 0.17 0.01 0.16 0.15 0.36 0.11 0.06 0.02 0 0 0 0 0.05 0 DDT Toxaphene Chlordane PCBs HCH TDI: 20 g/kg TDI: 0.2 g/kg TDI: 0.05 g/kg TDI: 1 g/kg TDI: 0.3 g/kg

Figure 3: Intake levels of various contaminants in five Inuit regions

4 CACAR II factsheet Highlights Report Chlordane levels (g/L) Russia

0.05–0.25 0.26–0.50 0.50–1.50 PCB levels (g/L)

Sweden 1.3 – 5.0 5.1–8.0 8.1–35 Norway

Greenland

Iceland

Alaska

Canada Figure 4: Average levels of chlordane and PCBs in maternal blood

Contaminant intakes Inuit in Greenland, and people from the Faroe Islands The tolerable daily intake, or TDI, is the amount of have higher levels of mercury than Inuit from northern a contaminant that scientists estimate is a safe daily Canada. Nearly half of , Nunavik and Inuvialuit intake level for humans over their entire lifetime. An mothers have blood levels of PCBs above the Health intake above the TDI does not necessarily mean that Canada “level of concern” of 5 g/litre (Figure 4). health problems will develop but only that the margin Recent, early research results from a study in Nunavik of safety is reduced. show that PCBs are having subtle effects on infants’ Many people in Baffin and Kivalliq have mercury intakes birth weight, duration of pregnancy and visual memory. that exceed the TDI, while average PCB intake levels in Fatty acid exposure partially reduced these negative Baffin are also above the TDI (Figure 3). A significant effects. Mercury was associated with a subtle decrease number of people in four Inuit regions have chlordane in the infant’s ability to remember things while being and toxaphene intakes above the TDIs. distracted. The study also demonstrated several impor- tant beneficial effects of traditional/country food Marine mammals often contain much higher levels consumption on infant development.1 of mercury than caribou and consuming even small amounts of marine mammals may contribute a signi- Education, training, capacity building ficant amount of mercury to the diet. Blubber from and communication marine mammals contains higher levels of many POPs The NCP recognizes that any information northerners than other traditional/country foods. The higher intake receive about contaminants in traditional/country levels of chlordane and toxaphene in e.g. Baffin and foods may have significant impacts on their diet, Kivalliq come largely from this source, even though economy and way of life. only small amounts are consumed. The NCP, therefore, invests considerable time and Contaminants in maternal blood and tissues resources in education, training, capacity building and Similar geographical patterns emerge for contaminant communication. The Aboriginal Partners play a central levels in maternal blood and tissues as with dietary and key role in all aspects including educational mate- intakes. A significant percentage of Baffin and rials for the school curriculum, Regional Contaminants Nunavik mothers have mercury blood levels that Coordinators, frontline training courses, community fall within Health Canada’s “increasing risk” range tours, and Elder-scientist retreats (Figure 5). of 20-100 g/litre.

1 Results from this study only became available in early 2003 and were therefore not included in CACAR II.

5 CACAR II factsheet Highlights Report G I EA1 Eastern Arctic Contaminants Tour Nov./Dec. 1999 EA1 EA2 Eastern Arctic Contaminants Tour Feb. 2000 D1 Denendeh Tour: Deh Cho and Sahtu Oct./Nov. 2001 D2 Denendeh Tour: Monfwi and Akaitcho D1 1 EA2 2 Jan.-Jun. 2003 3 D2 1. Snare Lakes (Wekweti) 4 2. Rae Lakes (Gameti) G Gwich’in Community 3. Wha Ti (Wha Ti) 5,6 4. Rae (Behchoko) Tour Jan. 2000 5. Ndilo 10 Inuvialuit Community 8 6. Dettah I 7 7. Hay River (Ketloodechee) Tour Jan. 2001 9 8. Fort Resolution (Deninu Kue) 9. Fort Smith 10. Lutsel K'e

Figure 5: Locations of community tours that took place during NCP-II

are of concern in the Canadian North. Both Protocols are expected to come into force later this year. NCP data also contributed significantly to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global POPs agreement (the Stockholm Convention). Like the UN/ECE LRTAP POPs Protocol, the preamble of the Stockholm Convention specifically acknowledges

ICC/Terry Fenge the special situation and risks faced by the Arctic Northern Canadian Aboriginal leaders together with Nelson Mandela and Aboriginal peoples. at the United Nations POPs negotiations in Nairobi, Kenya. The NCP model is now well-known and is being copied in the circumpolar Arctic. Aboriginal peoples in northern National and international action Canada also view the NCP as a model for other research and monitoring programs which address issues of inter- The NCP has provided the basis for policy decisions national importance in the Arctic. and action in Canada and on the international stage. Canadian northern Aboriginal organizations have played a particularly key role over the years, especially at the international level. It took less than 15 years (light speed for international diplomacy) to move from For more information on the Highlights Report initial research that identified a POPs-related problem please consult the CACAR II series of reports, in the Canadian North to a global convention that available from the Northern Contaminants addresses the issue. Not only did the NCP generate Program Secretariat: scientific data to convince skeptics of the nature of the problem, it educated and equipped Aboriginal Northern Contaminants Program peoples so they could effectively represent their Les Terrasses de la Chaudière interests on the international stage. Room 660, 10 Wellington St. Hull, Québec K1A 0H4 NCP research results contributed to the United Nations/ Tel: (819) 953-8109 Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) Long-range http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ncp/ Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) Convention proto- cols to control heavy metals and 16 POPs, all of which Masthead photo credits: ITK/Eric Loring; ITK/Eric Loring; G-1995-001: 2608 GNWT/NWT Archives

6 CACAR II factsheet Highlights Report