Changing Environment and Human Health

The Arctic environment is vulnerable to both local and global pollution. This pollution may be caused by mining industries, pesticide use, oil spills, and the introduction of other environmental contaminants from southern countries that collect in the Arctic. Already, chemical contaminants that are called persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been detected in the traditional foods of indigenous people living in the Arctic. Because of the cold Arctic weather, the degradation of POPs is slow, and POPs are collecting in the bodies of local animals. The concentration of POPs is especially high in the blubber of whales and seals. When humans eat foods with POPs, the contaminants build up in a person’s body and are very hard to get rid of.

Studies have shown that different indigenous groups in the Arctic have levels of POPs in their bodies that exceed the acceptable levels determined by the World Health Organization. How this affects people is uncertain, as exposure occurs at low levels over a long period of time. POPs may be the source of certain types of cancers or birth defects, or could affect the immune system, reproduction, liver function, or neurological development.