Journal on Developmental Disabilities

The Journal on Developmental Disabilities is a peer-reviewed journal with a growing regional and international readership.

Volume 13 Number 1	other issues
Developmental Disabilities and the Native Canadian Community	Editors / Review Board / Table of Contents Forward Response Editorial Articles Child Welfare System Characteristics of Maltreatment Travelling a Mirrored Pathway Cross-Cultural Assessment Mercury Contamination in Arctic Canada Risk Factors for Fragility Fractures Maternal Diabetes and her Offspring Breast Milk Versus Infant Formulae RSIG Reports Evidence-based Practice Verbal Prosody and Speech Perception Perceived Support and Inclusion Dual Diagnosis or Dual Confusion Aggression and Dual Diagnosis Job Satisfaction of the Instructional Therapist Admissions to a Specialized Dual Diagnosis Program
Mercury Contamination in Arctic Canada: Possible Implications for Aboriginal Health Youssef H. El-Hayek
Abstract Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin found at elevated concentrations in both the Arctic ecosystem and tissues of the local Aboriginal inhabitants. Combined studies of ecological contamination with the possible implications for human health, have made this one of the largest environmental research projects in Canadian history. Recent scientific advances have revolutionized the understanding of the global mercury cycle. The major source of mercury exposure is through the consumption of locally derived food sources. Mercury tissue concentrations are reaching alarming levels in some Aboriginal communities. Studies on both animals and humans have provided compelling evidence suggesting that methylmercury contamination induces neurological defects. Cognitive defects have been noted in children exposed congenitally in several other seafood-consuming communities around the world. Defects in motor function have been observed in both adults and children in Inuit Communities. Furthermore, environmental mercury has been linked to both autism and Alzheimer disease. Aboriginals are currently exposed to methylmercury in addition to several other environmental toxins. This may have serious repercussions for neurodevelopment and health in this population. download article >>

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