Persistent organic pollutants : a risk assessment of Vancouver Island First Nations traditional seafood
Subject
British Columbia
First Nations
Human Health Risk Assessment
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Pollution
Seafood
First Nations
Human Health Risk Assessment
Persistent Organic Pollutants
Pollution
Seafood
Abstract
Traditional seafoods are integral to the health and culture of coastal First Nations in British Columbia. However, concerns about ocean pollutants have prompted a need for a human health risk assessment which captures consumption, contaminant exposure, and risk assessment. This study builds on previous contaminant measurements and dietary surveys by assessing risks associated with dioxin-like compounds, PCBs, and PBDEs in traditional seafoods consumed by five Vancouver Island First Nations. Non-cancer risks for respondents fell below levels of concern using Health Canada guidance, but 8% and 7% of respondents were deemed to be at risk of non-cancer risks from dioxin-like compounds and PCBs respectively, using US EPA guidance. Increased risk of cancer using US EPA guidance was associated with estimated exposure to dioxin-like compounds and PCBs. Results suggest that some persistent organic pollutants present risks to traditional seafood consumers, but nutritional and social benefits are expected to outweigh the risks.