Human Biomonitoring of Environmental Chemicals in Northern First Nations

Locally harvested traditional foods, including fish, moose, caribou, provide First Nations of the Northwest Territories and the Yukon with irreplaceable nutritional, economic, and cultural benefits. However, concerns related to chemical exposures from the consumption of traditional foods have, in part, contributed to a nutrition transition towards less healthy store-bought foods. To address these concerns, a human biomonitoring study was completed to evaluate the magnitude of chemical exposures faced by First Nations communities in these regions. The Human Exposure and Toxicology Research is now measuring additional chemicals, including perfluorinated compounds (PFCs; sometimes called forever chemicals), a metabolite of a pesticide called chlorpyrifos, industrial chemicals sometimes used as flame retardants (known as chlorinated paraffins), and other persistent organic pollutants regulated under the Stockholm Convention.

A Masters or PhD student is being recruited to analyze the levels and determinants of these chemicals among participating communities. The student will complete biostatistical analysis of biomarker and survey data to answer key research questions raised by community partners. In addition, the student will assist with the knowledge mobilization of biomonitoring results.

Fields of research

• Toxicology
• Exposure Science
• Biostatistics
• Contaminant biomonitoring