HUMAN HEALTH IN CONNECTION WITH ARCTIC POLLUTION - RESULTS AND PERSPECTIVES OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES UNDER THE AEGIS OF AMAP

Generalization of the results of environmental hygienic studies of pollution by persistent toxic substances (PTS) of Arctic environment, levels and dynamics of exposure to PTS and PTS health effects for residents of Arctic countries (Canada, Denmark/Greenland/Faroe Islands, USA, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia) within the framework of the recently published "Human Health in the Arctic - 2015" Report of the international Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) have been conducted. The chronology of the previous AMAP reports on Arctic Pollution and Human Health 1998-2009 is presented; the algorithm of the introduction and development of international system for evaluation of quality assessment / quality control of laboratory measurements (AMAP ring-test) is described, along with the completed and ongoing studies in circumpolar countries (projects, cohorts, objects, scopes, dates), levels of PTS in the blood of the surveyed contingents with the geographical comparisons between the circumpolar and non-Arctic countries, incl. long-term dynamics. Adverse health effects associated with exposure to PTS of Arctic residents: neurobehavioral, immunological, cardiovascular, reproductive, endocrine, diabetogenic, carcinogenic - are analyzed; genetic/epigenetic aspects and effect modifiers are briefly considered. Short recommendations for future scientific research and management decisions in the Arctic are formulated, including the need to continue the biomonitoring of PTS (biota and human biological media), the need to develop adaptation strategies and adequate approaches to risk communication, application of the precautionary principle for "new" POPs, taking into consideration the global and regional consequences of climate change and the emergence on this background of the additional health risks for Arctic residents.

PTS, POPs, PCBs, DDT, metals, mercury, lead, exposure, effects, health, indigenous people, Arctic, AMAP