"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 Saskatchewan 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
