Title

Bridging the Gap Between Environmental Contaminants and the Health of First Nations Communities

Fiscal Year

2005-2006

Community/Region

Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), Saskatchewan

Principal Investigator

Dr. Lalita Bharadwaj (University of Saskatchewan)

Community Project Lead

N/A

Project Members

N/A

Project Summary

First Nations have long recognized that human health is intimately connected to the health of the natural environment. However, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of evidence directly linking environmental contaminant exposures to disease by way of a cause-and-effect relationship.

In this study, Regional Health Survey (RHS) data was collected by the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) to examine a wide range of health outcomes self-reported by its members. This information was then used to assess which contaminants might potentially produce symptoms similar to those associated with the health conditions reported in order to inform the selection of contaminants for future testing in each community. It was hoped that the exercise might increase the appreciation for the potential impacts that regional environmental contaminants, either known or suspected, may have on self-reported health outcomes.

Following a review of the symptoms associated with the health conditions reported in the RHS, seven main contaminants of concern were identified in Saskatchewan First Nations communities including radon, trihalomethanes, dioxins and furans, mold, mercury, arsenic, and nickel. Further research will be required to define more precisely the impacts of these contaminants of concern on human health. The study investigators indicated their intention to develop more sensitive survey tools in the future to enhance the assessment of the environmental determinants of health.