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.