1999-2000 Annual Review, August 2000
Laboratory Services
In 1975, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) created a laboratory
to support the Aboriginal human hair/blood sampling program. Four
years later, in 1979, the laboratory initiated the analysis of
polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) in blood samples. In 1990 this program
was expanded to include PCB congener and organochlorine (O.C.)
pesticide analysis. Also in 1990, the FNIHB lab initiated the International
Hair Quality Assurance Program to ensure that hair mercury data
from various laboratories around the world would be comparable.
- In 1999/2000, Laboratory Services completed the Lesser Slave
Lake Health Study analysis and the results were communicated.
- In the Sioux lookout zone, Kitchenuhmaykoosib (Big Trout) and
Poplar Hill had blood/ serum and hair samples analyzed for PCBs
and Organochlorine Pesticides (total of 189 samples), and Mercury
( total of 121 samples). The results and final reports from these
analyses were communicated to Research and Statistics Section
for futher trend analysis.
- Serum samples (total of 80 samples) from Red Rock, Fort Albany
and Peawanuck were analyzed for PCBs and Organochlorine Pesticides
and the results and final reports communicated.
- Mercury in hair samples (total of 290 samples) from four northern
Aboriginal communities namely, Inuvik - North West Territories (NWT); Salluit (N. Quebec);
Squamish (British Columbia); Grassy Narrows (Ontario) were analyzed
and the results and final reports communicated. These mercury
level determinations were carried out in support of The National
First Nations Environmental Contaminants Program.
- The laboratory also provided two round-robins for International
Hair Mercury Program as a service to 24 laboratories from eight
countries. The laboratory distributed proficiency testing hair
samples, analyzed results from different labs and prepared final
reports and communicated the results to respective labs. To maintain
the accuracy and quality of results, laboratory participated
in two national Quality Control (Q.C.) programs and one international
Q.C. program.
2000-2001 Main Activities and Anticipated Outcomes:
- Complete the ongoing bio-monitoring in Sioux Lookout Zone Environmental Conatminants Study.
- Fulfill requests from several First Nations Communities (Nelson House, Weagamow; Aboriginal Communities on St. John River and Northern River Basin to havehair samples (total of 450 samples) analyzed for mercury.
- Fulfill request from Chiefs' of seven Ontario First Nations Communities which participated in Project Effects on Aboriginals from the Great Lakes Environment (E.A.G.L.E) to have serum samples (total of 117 samples) reanalyzed using GC/MSD.
- Participate in two round-robins for International Hair Mercury Program.
- Participate in two national Quality Control programs and one international Quality Control program.
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