Health risk assessment for indigenous people of Сhukotka Autonomous Okrug exposed to persistent pollutants

The studies conducted in 2001 and 2010 included permanent residents of indigenous nationalities dwelling in the villages of Uelen and Kanchalan of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. We assessed health risks from exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT insecticides, lead, and mercury according to Guidelines R 2.1.10.1920–04 and U.S. EPA methods; a health survey was also conducted based on questionnaires. Health risks posed by ingestion of PCBs were mainly related to consumption of traditional foodstuffs contributing 84 % to the risk profile. Secondary contamination of food products from indoor surfaces accounted for 56 % of DDT-related health risks. For people of traditional occupations (hunters, fishermen, and reindeer herders) the risks of adverse health effects of PCBs were 5 times higher than for those of other occupations. Low income of the local population, high consumption of sea animal fat, alcohol abuse and ignorance of preventive measures resulted in 5–14 times increase in health risks posed by PCB exposures. Low socioeconomic status may significantly modify the health risks caused by bioaccumulation of persistent contaminants and heavy metals, its maximum impact being observed in the coastal areas of Chukotka and mainly in relation to PCBs. For the residents of Uelen, the predicted carcinogenic risk (up to 1.0 × 10–3) should be considered unacceptable.