Traditional food of indigenous people in Canada, particularly fish and mari
ne mammal meat, has mercury (Hg) concentrations exceeding the Canadian cons
umption guideline level of 0.5 mu g/g. Health effects of Hg in traditional
food are, therefore, a concern. We conducted contaminant exposure assessmen
ts in 28 indigenous communities in Canada. Hg exposure was greatest among c
ommunities with high use of marine mammals as food. Exposure among other co
mmunities was variable. Recent adoption of a lower intake guideline for wom
en of reproductive age and by Health Canada may decrease the use of traditi
onal food, and could result in other health problems, such as increased ris
k of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al
l rights reserved.