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ABSTRACT. The authors conducted a survey during 1992 to evaluate blood levels of lead and mercury in Inuit adults of Nunavik (Arctic Québec, Canada). Blood samples obtained from 492 participants (209 males and 283 females; mean age = 35 yr) were analyzed for lead and total mercury; mean (geometric) concentrations were 0.42 μmol/l (range = 0.04–2.28 μmol/l) and 79.6 nmol/l (range = 4–560 nmol/l), respectively. Concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid in plasma phospholipids—a biomarker of marine food consumption—were correlated with mercury (r = .56, p < .001) and, to a lesser extent, with blood lead levels (r = .31, p < .001). Analyses of variance further revealed that smoking, age, and consumption of waterfowl were associated with lead concentrations (r² = .30, p < .001), whereas age and consumption of seal and beluga whale were related to total mercury levels (r² = .30, p < .001). A significant proportion of reproductive-age women had lead and mercury concentrations that exceeded those that have been reportedly associated with subtle neurodevelopmental deficits in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study documented the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (DDE) in the breast milk of women from Quebec, Canada, and assessed the impact of various sociodemographic and lifestyle factors on these levels. Methods. From 1988 to 1990, milk samples were obtained from 536 Quebec women and analyzed for seven PCB congeners and p,p'-DDE. Information was obtained on subjects' physical, sociodemographic, and lifestyle characteristics. Results. Mean concentrations were 0.52 mg/kg lipids (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50, 0.54) and 0.34 mg/kg lipids (95% CI = 0.32, 0.35) for PCBs (Aroclor 1260) and DDE, respectively. Age and history of breast-feeding showed statistically significant correlations with PCB and DDE concentrations. Conclusions. Concentrations of PCBs and DDE measured in this study are at the lower end of the concentration range recently reported for women living in industrialized countries. The modulating factors identified here should be considered when conducting studies on organochlorine exposure and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of low-level lead and arsenic exposure on copper smelter workers in Quebec, Quebec. Conduction of cross-sectional medical examination of copper smelter workers; Characteristics of lead and arsenic distribution; Relationship between symptoms and lead and arsenic absorption.