Managing the issue of mercury exposure in Nunavut

This study sought to characterize the risk to human health from dietary mercury (Hg) exposure in two Inuit communities, Repulse Bay and lgloolik. Hg exposure was estimated using food frequency questionnaires. Body burden was determined by measuring Hg in hair samples. Estimated average daily Hg exposures for women of child-bearing age were 21.3 mug in Repulse Bay, and 6.0 mug in lgloolik; the general population exposures were 43.1 mug in Repulse Bay and 23.2 mug in lgloolik. Average hair concentrations were 2.1 mg/kg and 2.8 mg/kg in Repulse Bay, 2.1 mg/kg and 6.2 mg/kg in lgloolik for women of child-bearing age and the general population respectively. No participants had concentrations above the "at risk" concentration of 30 mg/kg. Significant correlations were observed between hair Hg concentration and traditional food intake. These results do not necessitate direct intervention, but validate continued monitoring of Hg exposure in Nunavut