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Population exposure to radioactivity from consumption of caribou among the Dene/Métis of Denendeh (western Northwest Territories, Canada).

There has been long-standing concern with exposure to radioactivity through the consumption of caribou, particularly in indigenous populations in the western Northwest Territories, Canada, who are traditionally high consumers. We conducted a dietary survey in this region in 1994 to estimate population exposure levels. Dietary information was collected from 1012 individuals in sixteen communities (1012 days of 24-hour dietary recalls, 1012 food frequency questionnaires) and radionuclide levels in caribou flesh, liver and kidneys were measured. Monte Carlo statistical methods were employed to integrate these data sets and estimate the distribution of radiation exposure for people in five regions (Gwich'in, Sahtú, Dogrib, Deh-Cho, South Slave). The exposure levels were highest in the South Slave region and in older males (40+ years), and lowest in the Gwich'in region and in younger females (20-40 years). Median exposure level ranged from 0.95 to 5.31 mSv per year (mean of medians = 2.96 mSv/y). In each group the 95th percentile of exposure was 2-3 times greater than the median. These exposure levels are comparable to exposure levels in Alaskan Eskimos and Marshall Island residents, and are much higher than European or American urban populations. Caribou meat is a very nutritious food. We conclude that, although there is some radiation exposure from consuming caribou, the associated health risks are low and are outweighed by the physical, social and cultural benefits derived from hunting and eating caribou.