Mapping of the Contaminants Affecting the Health of the First Nations in New‑Brunswick

There is an intimate relationship between the land, food and cultural ceremonies that sustains First Nations communities. Based on previous research, environmental contaminants, particularly heavy metals such as cadmium, have been identified in some First Nations reserves in New Brunswick. The objective of this project was to provide local First Nations with access to spatial research data so that they could avoid areas with higher levels of environmental contaminants when conducting traditional activities.

In the study, areas contaminated with dioxins were mapped relative to the highways, power lines and railways of New Brunswick. A convenience sample was taken from First Nations communities residing on land known to be affected by elevated levels of environmental contaminants and corresponding First Nations communities residing on land where environmental contaminants were not previously known to of concern. Health histories were obtained from the two groups of participants and health screenings were conducted, in which blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol levels and BMI were recorded. Frozen traditional foods from each community were tested for trace metals, dioxins and furans.

According to the health screenings, there was a significant difference in the levels of obesity and gastrointestinal disturbances between participants living in areas known to be contaminated and those living in areas where environmental contaminants were not previously believed to be present. There was also a tendency for a difference in the prevalence of cancer, though the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other health problems were elevated in the whole sample, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Surprisingly, elevated levels of trace metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were detected not only in country foods from reserves previously known to be affected by environmental contaminants, but also in reserves where such environmental contamination was not previously known to exist. The specific contaminants detected were various pesticides, dioxins, DDT, chlorine, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic and copper. The study concluded that significant levels of morbidity were associated with environmental contaminants on First Nations land in the province of New Brunswick and that these contaminants were also more widespread than previously recognized.