Environmental Health Working Group

The distribution of pollutants into the remote areas of the Arctic and their biomagnification in the food chain pose challenges for determining the safety of subsistence foods. In addition to the risks from these pollutants, the benefits of subsistence foods must be acknowledged in risk management decision-making and in risk communication endeavors so that the indigenous peoples of the Arctic can make informed choices. Epidemiologic studies on exposure the health effects, risk assessment, risk management, and risk communication are reviewed and evaluated by this Working Group. They are also in the process of developing public health guidelines regarding the safety of subsistence foods.

Contact persons: Jens C. Hansen and Eric Dewailly