Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan`s web site have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow text box that resembles the link below and can be found in the right hand rail of the page. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found here:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

The results of software-based translation do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos, and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Biomonitoring in Northern Saskatchewan

"Biomonitoring" or the laboratory analysis of body fluids can be used to identify the presence of certain chemicals in humans. Biomonitoring gives a "snapshot in time" of the quantity of a given chemical in the body. It does not tell the source, duration, or route of exposure. It may not provide information as to whether a particular level of the chemical is a risk to health.

In 2011, the Alberta government approached the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health regarding collaboration in a study to identify the presence of certain chemicals in the blood of Northern residents.

The ministry partnered with former health authorities including Mamawetan Churchill River, Keewatin Yatthé, and Athabasca. Residual or unused blood from routine prenatal screening of pregnant women in Northern Saskatchewan was tested for chemicals (e.g. lead, mercury, pesticides, and chemicals found in tobacco smoke).

The study found that most of the environmental chemicals tested were lower than or comparable to previously reported levels in pregnant Alberta women.

The study has now been completed and is available below:

Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study General Summary Report

Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Summary Report

Northern Saskatchewan Prenatal Biomonitoring Study Technical Report

Infographic describing different chemicals found in our everyday environment

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve