DOI: 10.21963/13281
title: Preliminary Study: Investigating Lead Exposure in Northern Canada and the Sahtú Region, Northwest Territories.

description: Elevated lead levels were measured in people from the Sahtú region in 2015-2019. When presenting these results to Sahtú communities, community members raised concerns regarding the sources of lead. A preliminary project to investigate sources of exposure to lead was completed. This dataset includes lead levels in hunter-shot birds (i.e., lesser snow geese, greater white-fronted geese, and Canada geese), fish (i.e., burbots) and water samples (surface water and municipal supply). From the water samples (n=30) collected in summer 2019 and 2020 at different points of the drinking water system, we observed that the water source with the most elevated lead concentrations was from the Mackenzie River at the pumping site, followed by the sample collected in a nearby wetland. Four tap samples were analysed and were below the Canadian Maximum Acceptable Concentration (MAC). From the fish (n=10) collected between December 2019 and January 2020, only one muscle sample had detectable level of lead. The liver sample tended to show higher lead level than muscle, with an average of 0.005 mg/kg. Local harvesters collected birds (n=20) during regular harvesting season in May 2021. None of the hunters reported using lead ammunition for harvesting. The lead levels in breast and gizzard were low, and levels in the majority of breast muscle samples were under the reporting limit. The average of lead concentration in gizzard was slightly higher than in breast meat. Those findings suggest low levels of lead in water, fish, and birds in the region. This project provided limited data to assess sources of lead for people living in the Sahtú region. Further work is required to assess all sources of lead and promote safe traditional/country food consumption.
description: After elevated lead levels were measured in people in Sahtú communities (2015-2019, PI: Brian Laird), community members raised concerns regarding the sources of lead. Thus, our team pursued further investigation to explore sources of exposure to lead. Biological and water samples were collected around Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories, Canada, and the analysis of lead was completed. Exposure to lead, a toxic metal with no biological function, can cause a range of health issues, including anemia, kidney damage, and brain damage. In addition, lead can harm the intellectual and behavioural development of infants and young children. Diet can be a major source of lead exposure in people, and elevated levels of lead have been associated with hunting practices and the consumption of traditional/country foods for several Indigenous populations in Canada. Specifically, game meat samples (e.g., moose, deer, hare, gamebird) tested in Europe and Canada showed elevated lead concentrations, most likely caused by ammunition residues. Lead released from lead pipe plumbing and contaminated drinking water was reported to pose a significant health threat in the U.S. and Canada. While we know about general lead exposure determinants, less is known regarding the sources of exposure to lead in northern regions. This preliminary monitoring program addresses community concerns. These findings will support the promotion of traditional/country food consumption, traditional Dene lifestyle and well-being while also helping to reduce exposure to lead.