Scholarly Work - Indigenous Research Initiative
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Item Community based risk assessment of exposure to waterborne contaminants on the Crow Reservation, Montana(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2014) Eggers, Margaret Joy Slack; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Anne Camper; Tim Ford (co-chair); Crescentia Cummins, John Doyle, Larry Kindness, Myra J. Lefthand, Urban J. Bear Don't Walk, Ada Bends, Susan C. Broadaway, Anne K. Camper, Roberta Fitch, Timothy E. Ford, Steve Hamner, Athalia R. Morrison, Crystal L. Richards and Sara L. Young were co-authors of the article, 'Community-based participatory research in Indian country: improving health through water quality research and awareness' in the journal 'Family and Community Health' which is contained within this thesis.; John T. Doyle and Margaret Hiza Redsteer were co-authors of the article, 'Exploring effects of climate change on Northern Plains American Indian health' in the journal 'Climatic change' which is contained within this thesis.The goal of this collaborative research project undertaken by the Crow Reservation community, Little Big Horn College and Montana State University Bozeman has been to improve the health of Crow community members by assessing, communicating and mitigating the risks from local waterborne contaminants. The Reservation's surface waters have always been greatly respected by the Crow people, valued as a source of life and health and relied upon for drinking water. About fifty years ago, rural families switched to home well water instead of hauling water from the rivers. Many families went from having an unlimited supply of free, good quality river water, to unpalatable well water dependent upon an expensive-to-maintain plumbing system. Tribal members questioned the health of the rivers and well water due to visible water quality deterioration and potential connections to illnesses and initiated this research project. We share what we have learned as tribal members and researchers about conducting community-based risk assessment and using our data to improve Tribal and river health. Initial research on river water quality revealed significant microbial contamination. Collaborations with several microbiologists revealed substantial E. coli and Cryptosporidium river contamination as well as Helicobacter pylori in home water supplies. We found that about 55% of home wells are unsafe to drink due to either mineral and/or microbial contamination. Depending on the river valley, 11% to 58% of home wells exceed the cumulative risk level of concern for mineral contaminants. Exposure to contaminated well water exacerbates the community's existing health disparities due to the confluence of the area's geology, extensive agriculture, lack of public environmental health education, jurisdictional complexities of reservations, already vulnerable health status and families' limited financial resources for mitigating poor quality well water. Limited resources as well as the links among ecosystems, cultural practices and public health will increase the already existing impacts of climate change on reservation communities. Flood frequency, late summer water shortage and fire severity are increasing while water quality is declining. Risk communication and risk mitigation, not just risk assessment, have been and continue to be central to our project and pursued through numerous venues and collaborations.Item Methylmercury risk, awareness, and exposure in recreational anglers(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Nursing, 2013) Angert, Stephanie Diane; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Sandra KuntzWhile fish and seafood are a beneficial food source for all ages, some populations are at risk for exposure to environmental pollutants found in fish. Methylmercury is one such toxin found in nearly all fish species. Regular consumption of fish, especially those high in methylmercury, is associated with neurotoxicities in developing fetuses and children and increased risk for cardiovascular disease in adults. National and state fish advisories are established to guide the general population in safe fish-eating practices. Although not commonly studied, research suggests anglers likely have higher exposures to methylmercury due to greater consumption of locally-caught fish. The purpose of this study was to examine fish consumption patterns, fish advisory awareness, risk communication preferences, and actual methylmercury exposure among recreational anglers. Further evaluation was necessary to determine the type, size, amount, and frequency of fish consumed by the anglers, assess awareness of fish consumption advisories, and measure actual methylmercury exposure relative to dietary intake of fish, in order to ascertain whether this population is at risk and in need of a risk communication intervention. A convenience sample was performed with participating recreational anglers (N = 31). A survey completed by the participants examined fish consumption patterns, fish advisory awareness, and risk communication preferences. Biomarker assessment included hair mercury analysis to measure actual methylmercury exposure in the participating angler population (N = 25). Results revealed elevated hair mercury levels in 32% of participants (n = 8). After adjusting for all other variables, anglers who eat northern pike and walleye had significantly higher hair mercury levels (p = 0.009 and p = 0.016 respectively) than those who do not. Additionally, anglers who fish in lakes have higher hair mercury levels than those who do not (p = 0.005). Advisory awareness was not a significant factor after adjusting for all other variables. Additional research is needed to (a) improve the identification of specific routes of exposure (fish species, size, and waterbody) in recreational anglers, (b) identify the health impacts of mercury in the exposed population, and (c) establish effective risk reduction interventions specific for the angler population.