Targeted population biomonitoring initiatives

A pilot study to assess the feasibility of measuring chronic exposure to lead among Canadians

This three year study initiated in 2008 is examining the body burden of lead in Canadians of all ages (including children) as well as the toxicokinetics of lead (how it is absorbed, metabolized, and disposed of) in blood, serum and bone. It will provide measures of both current and historical lead exposure and will demonstrate the feasibility of quantifying cumulative lead exposure in bone.

Canadian study of the impact of residential sources of lead on blood lead levels of young children

This three year study initiated in 2008 is evaluating the importance of sources of lead exposure, such as drinking water in contact with lead service lines, dust and paint, by comparing Canadian children aged 1-5 and living in areas served by lead service lines , to children of the same age living in similar homes served by non-lead pipes. Dust and tap water samples are being taken in each residence and analysed for lead. Measurement of the content of lead in residential paint is also being carried out. Relevant exposure information is being collected by questionnaire. The blood lead level (BLL) of each child is being determined and its relationship with residential sources of lead is being estimated.

Biomonitoring for environmental lead exposure in children from pre-1970s housing in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

This two year study initiated in 2009 is measuring lead exposure (blood lead levels) in young children living in a range of housing ages in St. John's. Concurrent measurement of residential lead levels in the sample households will permit an evaluation of exposure sources.

The P4 study: Plastics and personal care product use in pregnancy

This three year study initiated in 2008 is recruiting 80 pregnant women from the Ottawa area and collecting multiple maternal urine samples, detailed consumer product/food packaging diaries, infant urine and meconium, and breast milk. Meconium is being evaluated as a potential matrix for measuring in utero exposure. Biospecimens are being analyzed for phthalates and their metabolites, bisphenol A, triclosan and triclocarban.

Biological monitoring of exposure to inorganic arsenic in a population in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region using drinking water from private wells

This two year study initiated in 2008 is conducting biological monitoring of exposure to arsenic in a population in the mining area of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec, where drinking water from private wells is used. Variations in internal doses of arsenic as a function of the various levels of contamination in the wells is being evaluated, as well as exploring whether there is a potential relationship between internal dose of arsenic and arsenic contamination levels in the wells with diabetes prevalence. Finally, the study will examine whether there is a correlation between the internal dose of arsenic and the levels of thyroid hormones circulating in the blood.

Biomonitoring of arsenic species in rural Nova Scotia communities

This two year study initiated in 2009 is developing and testing a group of biomarkers of exposure in rural Nova Scotia communities. These biomarkers will indicate both short- and long-term exposure to arsenic. The biomarkers are being related to well water concentrations of both total arsenic and arsenic species (which are known to vary in their toxicity). In addition, a novel and recently developed non-invasive method for analysing concentrations of total arsenic in skin and nails as a biomarker of long-term exposure is being tested.

Assessment of long-term indoor residential pollution exposures among Canadian children

This two year study initiated in 2009 is providing estimates of exposure to contaminants in young children, through the analysis of data and information obtained as part of the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development (CHILD) study Biological samples (meconium, cord serum, and urine) and house dust are being analysed for levels of cotinine (tobacco smoke exposure biomarker) and a variety of phthalate metabolites.

Importance of exposure to acrylamide in a potentially vulnerable population through consumption of acrylamide rich food

Acrylamide is formed in certain plant-based foods during preparation methods such as frying, baking, grilling, or roasting. This two year study initiated in 2009 is performing an assessment of acrylamide levels in adolescents, a group vulnerable to exposure due to their high consumption of acrylamide-rich foods. To facilitate comparisons between high and low acrylamide consumers, participants are being categorized based on a survey of their food consumption, as well as acrylamide measurements in various foods. Blood and urine samples are being used to assess levels of acrylamide exposure and possible evidence of health impacts.