We’ve been working with the citizens of Iqaluit to assess how many and what sort of contaminants are present in their soil.  In a neighbourhood called Lower Base, some of the soil has been contaminated as a result of historical activities.  We’ve been analyzing the soil for hydrocarbons and metals.  Our initial results indicate that while the Lower Base region is contaminated, the levels of pollutants are too low to be much of a cause of concern.  This is great news as it indicates that there is likely no significant risk to human health in this heavily populated region of Nunavut.

Over the course of this winter and next summer, we will be monitoring the amount of soil that is suspended in the air and adhering to the hands of Iqaluit residents.  Using this data we can update our models of how humans are exposed to contaminated soil.