Grant: Project Grant

Background: First Nations in the Peace River Valley (Northeastern British Columbia) expressed concerns regarding the impacts of industrial activities (e.g., oil and gas, coal mining, hydroelectric dams) on the release of trace elements and their health effects. We previously conducted two studies that suggested higher exposure to certain elements in this region; exposure was particularly high among Indigenous participants. While sources of exposure to these elements remain elusive, they likely include traditional foods consumed by Indigenous communities, which can be contaminated by surrounding industrial activity. Goal: In accordance with needs expressed by First Nations partners, this project aims to evaluate exposure and track sources of trace elements as part of an initiative to build local research capacity. Methods: We will collaborate with First Nations from this region to collect traditional food samples based on the type and provenance of items that are staples in these communities. We will recruit 150 participants who will be asked to provide tap water and biological (hair, nails, urine, blood) samples which will be analyzed to quantify 21 trace elements. Samples will also be analyzed for isotopic ratios of strontium, one trace element that was found to be elevated in human biological samples from this region. The isotopic composition of a sample can be used to elucidate the sources of strontium. A food frequency questionnaire will be administered to participants to quantify their intake of traditional foods. This will help us evaluate the contribution of food and drinking water to human exposure. Outcomes: Traditional foods are an integral part of Indigenous cultures and are crucial to sustain food security, nutrition and health. This project was co-designed with First Nations partners to provide comprehensive monitoring of exposure to trace elements through traditional food consumption, while contributing to building local research capacity.