An evidence map of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and health outcome studies among residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation

The Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne has experienced a disproportionate burden of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). From the 1950s to the 1970s, three Superfund sites discharged PCB-contaminated waste upstream of Akwesasne. To characterize the available data and to highlight potential research needs for this overburdened community, we developed an evidence map of PCB research at Akwesasne. We identified 32 studies, conducted between 1986 and 2013, that examined PCB exposure characteristics and health effects in residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. We categorized this literature by study cohort, congener groupings, exposure biomarker characteristics, and health effects. We used this map of the evidence to identify research gaps and to suggest future research priorities for the community. A major uncertainty identified is PCB source characterization, which could be addressed by new studies of PCB concentrations in environmental media, including in indoor air.

Impact/Purpose

The Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne has experienced a disproportionate burden of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). From the 1950s to the 1970s, three Superfund sites discharged PCB-contaminated waste upstream of Akwesasne. Due to the persistence of PCBs in the environment and in human tissues, there are continued concerns regarding PCB exposures and the potential for adverse health effects in the community. To characterize the available data and to highlight potential research needs for this overburdened community, we developed an evidence map of PCB research at Akwesasne. We identified 32 studies, conducted between 1986 and 2013, that examined PCB exposure characteristics and health effects in residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. We categorized this literature by study cohort, congener groupings, exposure biomarker characteristics, and health effects. We used this map of the evidence to identify research gaps and to suggest future research priorities for the community. A major uncertainty identified is PCB source characterization, which could be addressed by new studies of PCB concentrations in environmental media, including in indoor air. This characterization of the evidence base and identification of research gaps is likely to be of interest to partners in Region 2, as well as to members of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. Furthermore, our evidence map contributes to the EPA’s Office of Research and Development commitment to environmental justice by conducting work that can lead to a better understanding of how health disparities can arise from unequal environmental conditions and exposures to pollution.

Citation

Weitekamp, C., R. Shaffer, C. Chiang, G. Lehmann, AND K. Christensen. An evidence map of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and health outcome studies among residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 306:1-21, (2022). [DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135454]

DOI: An evidence map of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and health outcome studies among residents of the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation