Investigating contaminants affecting the health of Yupik communities in Alaska
Restoring Northeast Cape for the Health and Well-Being of the Yupik Communities of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
This study is looking at how certain harmful chemicals in the environment, like PCBs and mercury, affect the health of the Yupik communities on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, by checking the levels of these pollutants in local fish and in people's blood, and it involves community members to help find ways to keep everyone healthy as they embrace their traditional ways of living.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074136 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the health impacts of environmental contaminants, specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and mercury, on the Yupik communities of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. By examining the levels of these pollutants in local fish and the blood serum of community members, the study aims to identify exposure pathways and potential health risks. The research employs community-based participatory methods, involving local residents in the investigation to ensure that their traditional knowledge and experiences inform the findings. The ultimate goal is to develop interventions that protect the health and well-being of the Yupik people as they reconnect with their traditional lifestyles.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation include Yupik community members from St. Lawrence Island who have traditional ties to the Northeast Cape area.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in or have no historical connection to St. Lawrence Island may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes for the Yupik communities by identifying and mitigating the risks associated with environmental contaminants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous community-based participatory research has shown success in addressing environmental health issues in similar populations, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Von Hippel, Frank Arthur — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Von Hippel, Frank Arthur
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.