Temporal Trends Of Legacy And Emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants In Inuit Preschoolers From Northern Quebec (Canada)

In this study, we report the temporal trends of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 181 preschool Inuit children from Nunavik and the influence of confounding factors on blood contaminant levels. From 2006 to 2010, no significant trends were detected in sigma polychlorinated biphenyls (sigma PCBs), sigma organochlorine pesticides (sigma OPs), sigma toxaphene, and sigma per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (sigma PFASs). On the contrary, significant downward trends ranging from 9.3% to 14.3% per year were found for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Breastfeeding was significantly associated with increased levels of POPs. Age was positively and significantly related to sigma PCBs, sigma OPs and sigma toxaphene. Compared with girls, boys had significantly higher concentrations of sigma PBDEs, but lower concentrations of sigma PFASs. Weight-for-height or body mass index z-scores were negatively and significantly related to sigma PCBs and sigma OPs. Passive smoking was positively and significantly associated with sigma OPs and sigma toxaphene. In conclusion, continued efforts to reduce contaminant exposure are needed to protect children's health and development.