Genetic polymorphisms to improve interpretation of contaminant exposure and risk in Inuit (Nunavik)

The project's goal is to better understand how Inuit 'process' contaminants. The ultimate goal is to arm public health decision makers with knowledge to help identify the most susceptible subpopulations and make informed and objective risk assessments. Here, the central hypothesis is that analysis of genetic polymorphisms (focus on polymorphisms in environmentally-responsive genes that help the body 'process' toxicants) will increase understanding and utility of exposure biomarkers of mercury, PCBs, and other persistent organic pollutants.