Phase III – 1998-2003 Phase II – 1993-1998 Phase I – 1988-1993

Findings of Study on Prenatal Exposure to Organochlorines on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence

Montreal, June 12, 2002 – The Human Health component of St. Lawrence Vision 2000 today released the findings of a study on prenatal exposure to organochlorines among residents of the North Shore of the St. Lawrence. St. Lawrence Vision 2000 (SLV 2000) is an action plan governed by a Canada–Quebec co-operation agreement aimed at protecting, conserving and enhancing the St. Lawrence River.

A number of organochlorine substances (PCBs, some pesticides, etc.) remain in the environment and accumulate in the food chain. North Shore residents, who have a diet rich in seafood, have higher concentrations of organochlorines in their blood than the Quebec average. These substances cross the placenta and are transmitted to the baby during pregnancy.

The study looked at North Shore newborns over the last eight years. It found that concentrations of organochlorines decreased significantly between 1993 and 2001, but remain above the provincial average. In addition, Montagnais newborns have significantly higher concentrations than other Quebecers. Consumption of seabird eggs seems to be the main reason for the differences between North Shore newborns and those in southern Quebec.

Prenatal exposure to organochlorines is less of a concern than it was a few years ago, although Lower North Shore residents and Aboriginal people today continue to have higher levels than non-Aboriginal people and Middle North Shore residents. Concentrations are decreasing from year to year and this trend does not seem to be linked to lower fish consumption.

The Human Health component of SLV 2000 recommends that Lower North Shore residents lower their consumption of seabird eggs and continue to eat fish. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which protect against cardiovascular disease and contribute to the development of nursing infants. However, pregnant and nursing women should avoid eating predatory fish (fish that eat other fish), such as pickerel, northern pike, bass and maskinonge.

A bilingual summary of the report is available on the SLV 2000 Web site. For more information about the Human Health component of SLV 2000, go to the following address: http://www.slv2000.qc.ca/plan_action/phase3/sante_humaine/accueil_a.htm

Information about the study

Dr Éric Dewailly
Telephone: (418) 666-7000, ext 222

Information about the Human Health component of SLV 2000

Ottawa area:
Douglas Haines
Telephone: (613) 952-2332

Quebec Region:
Michèle Bélanger
Telephone: (418) 266-6723

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