Research profiles

Toxic chemicals and pollution are damaging the Canadian Arctic environment and threatening the health of the Inuit who live there. Researchers at the University of Northern British Columbia are helping Inuit women, who have traditionally been responsible for maintaining the health of their families, reduce and prevent pollution in the north while still preserving their heritage and their health. For example, researchers recently discovered that game fowl were the cause of high blood-lead levels in northern Quebec residents. The women subsequently convinced store owners and game hunters to use non-toxic steel bullets, eliminating lead contamination of the fowl.