Risk communication and perceptions about lead ammunition and Inuit health in Nunavik, Canada

• Published in: International Journal of Circumpolar Health
• Main Authors: Chris M. Furgal, Amanda D. Boyd, Alyssa M. Mayeda, Cindy G. Jardine, S. Michelle Driedger
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2023
• Subjects: Contaminants; risk perceptions; Indigenous; education; health communication; lead; Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine; RC955-962; Arctic; Nunavik; Canada; Circumpolar Health; International Journal of Circumpolar Health; inuit
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1080/22423982.2023.2218014; https://doaj.org/article/4bb73a889e8f4b20a160df541a63d5ac

ABSTRACTLead ammunition is commonly used to hunt waterfowl and other wildlife in the Arctic. Hunting with lead is problematic because the toxicant can be transferred to the consumer. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate perceptions and awareness of the risks associated with using lead ammunition among Arctic populations. Results of the Nunavik Child Development Study (a longitudinal health study gathering information on health and well-being among Inuit in Nunavik, Canada) included advice to eliminate the use of lead ammunition in hunting practices. We surveyed 112 Nunavik residents (93 women; 18 men) about their awareness of lead related messages, use of lead ammunition and risk perceptions about contaminants. Sixty-seven participants (59.8%) reported there was an active hunter in their household. We found that only 27% of participants had heard or seen the messages about reducing lead ammunition. After participants viewed the Nunavik Child Development Study messages about lead, 44% stated they would stop using lead ammunition. However, 28% indicated that they would continue using lead ammunition. We conclude that, while messages had an overall positive effect, further study is required to understand why people continue to use lead ammunition.