BLOOD-LEVELS OF LEAD, CADMIUM AND MERCURY IN A GREENLANDIC INUIT HUNTER POPULATION FROM THE THULE DISTRICT

Blood (B-) levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), and serum (S-) levels of mercury (Hg) were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 67 healthy Inuit hunters and their families (35 men and 32 women, m edian age 39 years, range 17-77) living in the Thule District in North -West Greenland. The following concentrations (median and 5-95 percent ile) were observed: B-Pb 81 mug/l (26-226); B-Cd 2.2 mug/l (1.1-4.7); S-Hg 10 mug/l (5-20). Men had higher Pb levels, median 96 mug/l, than women, median 56 mug/l (p < 0.003). Both Pb, Cd and Hg levels increase d with age, indicating a lifelong accumulation. Significant correlatio ns existed between Pb and Cd, and Pb and Hg. Compared to Danes, Inuit displayed a 1.3 fold higher median B-Pb, 4.7 fold higher B-Cd and a 7. 1 fold higher S-Hg. The concentrations of heavy metals in Inuit reflec t smoking habits (Cd, Pb) as well as the high dietary intake of these elements, due to consumption of fish and meat and pluck from marine ma mmals.