ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY EXPOSURE TO TRACE-METALS IN BAFFIN INUIT FOOD

Chronic metal toxicity is a concern in the Canadian Arctic because of the findings of high metal levels in wildlife animals and the fact tha t traditional food constitutes a major component of the diet of indige nous peoples. We examined exposure to trace metals through traditional food resources for Inuit living in the community of Qikiqtarjuaq on B affin Island in the eastern Arctic. Mercury, cadmium, and lead were de termined in local food resources as normally prepared and eaten. Eleva ted concentrations of mercury (>50 mu g/100 g) were found in ringed se al liver, narwhal mattak, beluga meat, and beluga mattak, and relative ly high concentrations of cadmium and lead (>100 mu g/100 g) were foun d in ringed seal liver, mussels, and kelp. Quantified dietary recalls taken seasonally reflected normal consumption patterns of these food r esources by adult men and women (>20 years old) and children (3-12 yea rs old). Based on traditional food consumption, the average daily inta ke levels of total mercury for both adults (65 pg For women and 97 mu g for men) and children (38 mu g) were higher than the Canadian averag e value (16 Fig) The average weekly intake of mercury for all age grou ps exceeded tile intake guidelines (5.0 mu g/kg/day) established by th e Joint Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Ex pert Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants. The primary Foods t hat contributed to metal intake for the Baffin Inuit were ringed seal meat, caribou meat, and kelp. We review the superior nutritional benef its and porential health risks of traditional food items and implicati ons For monitoring metal contents of food, clinical symptoms, and food use.