POPULATION EXPOSURE TO RADIOACTIVITY FROM CONSUMPTION OF CARIBOU AMONG THE DENE METIS OF DENENDEH (WESTERN NORTHWEST-TERRITORIES, CANADA)/

There has been long-standing concern with exposure to radioactivity th rough the consumption of caribou, particularly in indigenous populatio ns in the western Northwest Territories, Canada, who are traditionally high consumers. We conducted a dietary survey in this region in 1994 to estimate population exposure levels. Dietary information was collec ted from 1012 individuals in sixteen communities (1012 days of 24-hour dietary recalls, 1012 food frequency questionnaires) and radionuclide levels in caribou flesh, liver and kidneys were measured. Monte Carlo statistical methods were employed to integrate these data sets and es timate the distribution of radiation exposure for people in five regio ns (Gwich'in, Sahtu, Dogrib, Deh-Cho, South Slave). The exposure level s were highest in the South Slave region and in older males (40+ years ), and lowest in the Gwich'in region and in younger females (20-40 yea rs). Median exposure level ranged from 0.95 to 5.31 mSv per year (mean of medians = 2.96 mSv/y). In each group the 95th percentile of exposu re was 2-3 times greater than the median. These exposure levels are co mparable to exposure levels in Alaskan Eskimos and Marshall Island res idents, and are much higher than European or American urban population s. Caribou meat is a very nutritious food. We conclude that, although there is some radiation exposure from consuming caribou, the associate d health risks are low and are outweighed by the physical, social and cultural benefits derived from hunting and eating caribou.