A Community-Based Application of Software to Conduct a Probabilistic Assessment of Exposure to Contaminants in Indigenous Subsistence Foods

Abstract

Abstract

An accurate characterization of contaminant exposure at the community level is a critical component of community-based exposure and risk assessments, particularly where they are used for community-based decision making. We conducted a probabilistic, community-level exposure assessment, in conjunction with community members and representatives, to assess exposure to zinc via consumption of caribou, a component of the Selawik, AK traditional diet. The analysis was conducted with publically available software, and implemented in a way that built tribal capacity to assess an array of contaminants in unique traditional diets. The analysis conducted with the software provided information on zinc intake among community members from consumption of caribou and indicated that average lifetime and upper percentile zinc exposure levels did not threaten the health of community members. We present the results of the study and observations associated with conducting the study in conjunction with community members. The study demonstrates the utility of the software to support decisions to address contaminant exposure and risk, and provides critical information to risk managers charged with communicating and implementing actions to address environmental contaminants.