Grantee Research Project Results
2016 Progress Report: Subsistence Hunting and Associated Activities of Native North Americans in Remote Communities: Measurement of Indoor Air Quality in Tents as Related to Wood-Smoke Exposures, and the Identification of Potential Health Risks
EPA Grant Number: R835605Title: Subsistence Hunting and Associated Activities of Native North Americans in Remote Communities: Measurement of Indoor Air Quality in Tents as Related to Wood-Smoke Exposures, and the Identification of Potential Health Risks
Investigators: Peltier, Richard E , Tsuji, Leonard J , Liberda, Eric N
Institution: University of Massachusetts - Amherst , Ryerson University , University of Toronto
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Project Period: May 1, 2014 through April 30, 2017 (Extended to April 30, 2018)
Project Period Covered by this Report: May 1, 2016 through April 30,2017
Project Amount: $700,000
RFA: Science for Sustainable and Healthy Tribes (2013) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Tribal Environmental Health Research , Human Health
Objective:
The objectives of this research are to: (1) measure indoor air quality in tents used for subsistence hunting activities by characterizing wood-smoke, aerosol components; (2) determine the resultant biological effects associated with exposure to wood-smoke aerosol components; and (3) provide recommendations for system improvements based on intervention strategies in a population of Native North American hunters living in subarctic North America. Doing so will greatly reduce exposures to the most susceptible populations and allow continued practice of an important tribal activity.
Progress Summary:
The third year of this project has successfully completed the second and third phases of observations, including primary data collection and analysis of controlled wood burning activities in teepees, as well as field measurements in remote communities. This included intervention trials to reduce exposure.
1. Appropriate equipment and supplies were positioned within the First Nation Community to support the duration of this study.
2. Received human subjects approval by the U.S. EPA Office of Human Research. This allowed the study to proceed as designed.
3. Samples were returned to our laboratory at the University of Massachusetts and analyzed for metals, ions and carbonaceous material analysis.
4. Instrumentation packages were set up at six hunting locations, which were located in remote backcountry locations, inaccessible by road. Participants were trained in operation and basic troubleshooting of equipment deployed in their living space of remote camps for characterization of air quality. Sampling also included online measures of BC and PM2.5, with offline measurements of passive sampling gases and chemical speciation of PM.
5. Biological samples, including dried blood spots and urine, were collected and returned to the laboratory for analyses and storage. The majority of samples to date have been processed in the laboratory and are ongoing.
Future Activities:
The project schedule is generally on track and progressing along expected trajectories. We have completed the most intensive data collection efforts, and are now focused on laboratory-based work. Planned field work has concluded for this project.
Laboratory analyses: We have collected more than 300 filters for follow up on chemical speciation and analysis, and have an extensive quantity of online measurements of aerosol from a variety of instrumentation. For the most part, air pollution filter analyses by ion chromatography, organic and elemental carbon, XRF, or other spectroscopy techniques have been completed. Biological samples are planned to continue for the next year.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
| Other project views: | All 9 publications | 1 publications in selected types | All 1 journal articles |
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Liberda EN, Tsuji LJS, Peltier RE. Mining in subarctic Canada: airborne PM2.5 metal concentrations in two remote First Nations communities. Chemosphere 2015;139:452-460. |
R835605 (2016) R835605 (Final) |
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Supplemental Keywords:
PM exposure, biomass, wood smoke, indoor air quality, chemical composition, Native North AmericansProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.