Cadmium concentrations in tissues of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) in Nunavik, Northern Québec.

Willow and rock ptarmigan were obtained from Northern Québec. Willow ptarmigan were found to have mean cadmium concentrations of 179.7 microg/g (dw) in the kidneys and 25.8 microg/g (dw) in the liver; these levels were three times higher than those found in the rock ptarmigan. The cadmium levels in the ptarmigan were below the threshold above which adverse effects can be observed in birds. The difference between the two ptarmigan species in cadmium content is explained by the diet. A comparison of their diet showed that willow, which stores cadmium, is an important food resource for willow ptarmigan but not for rock ptarmigan. Because there is limited information available on the consumption of ptarmigan kidneys and liver by the Inuit, and the fact that this is a traditional way of life and provides nutritional benefits to the Inuit population, no consumption guidelines are proposed.

Risk of giardiasis associated with water supply in an endemic context.

Consumption of untreated, inadequately treated or simply chlorinated water has been the source of a number of giardiasis epidemics. The aim of this study was to verify if water supply is associated with giardiasis in an endemic context. We conducted a case-control study that included 139 cases and 417 control subjects. To assess risk associated to water consumption, we calculated odds ratios (OR) using "source of water" and "presence and type of filtration" as criteria. A logistic regression model was used to control other risk factors. In children aged 1 - 13, the only significant risk factor was the consumption of at-risk tap water (i.e., filtered or unfiltered surface water or unfiltered shallow well water; OR = 6.13). In people aged 14 - 64, the consumption of this water was not a risk factor for the disease. The divergence in results between age groups could be explained by acquired immunity.

Spatio-temporal distribution of hypothyroidism in Quebec.

This study estimates the incidence and prevalence of hypothyroidism in Quebec, based on a data bank produced by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) on the use of thyroid hormones by persons insured under RAMQ's public drug insurance plan between 1992 and 2001. In 2001, the prevalence of thyroid hormone use in women and men respectively was 10.8 and 2.9 percent. Prevalence increases with age, reaching, among those aged 65 and over, 21.9 percent in women and 8.0 percent in men in 2001. Incidence is highest in women between the ages of 45 and 64 and in men aged 65 and over. Age-related incidence is relatively stable in women but tends to increase in men. On a regional and local basis (by Centre local de services communautaires [CLSC]), incidence rates up to 2.4 times higher than anticipated on the basis of provincial incidence rates were observed.

The determinants of prevalence of health complaints among young competitive swimmers.

OBJECTIVES: Chloramines, which are produced by the reaction of chlorine with the organic matter present in indoor pools, are potential airway irritants in swimmers. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of health complaints of young swimmers and young indoor soccer players and to evaluate the relationship between chloramine concentrations and the athletes' health complaints. METHODS: Health complaints were first (Part 1) documented by questionnaire in 305 competitive swimmers and 499 indoor soccer players of the Québec City region (Canada). Then, (Part 2) health complaints were documented during five training sessions in 72 competitive swimmers in comparison to 73 soccer players. The chloramines in the swimming pool air and water were measured as well as the peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and after the training session. RESULTS: In Part 1, the swimmers reported more lower (adjusted OR: 1.5; IC95%= 1.0-2.2) and upper respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR: 3.7; IC95%= 2.4-5.8). In Part 2, the swimmers experienced more frequent lower (adjusted OR: 3.5; IC95%= 2.0-6.0) and upper respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR: 3.1; IC95%= 1.8-5.4). Overall, swimmers exposed to the highest levels of chloramines in the air and water had more respiratory complaints. CONCLUSIONS: Swimmers exposed to chlorination by-products in both the water and air of indoor swimming pools experience frequent respiratory symptoms that could potentially be reduced by limiting exposure to these products.

Total and specific immunoglobulin E and their relationship to respiratory symptoms in Quebéc children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory disease is a major cause of morbidity in young people. It is now recognized that atopy plays an important role in the development of chronic respiratory symptoms in children. OBJECTIVE: To examine the determinants and consequences of serum total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a general population sample of Québec children and adolescents. METHODS: In 1999, 2349 children and adolescents (nine, 13 or 16 years of age) who had participated in a respiratory symptom and disease questionnaire had their total IgE measured. Of these participants, a subsample of 451 children and adolescents was analyzed to detect antibodies to eight specific allergens (ie, allergens of dust mites [Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus], cat, dog, ragweed, Timothy grass, mould [alternaria] and cockroach). RESULTS: The geometric mean of the total IgE was 44.4 U/mL among all participants. Concentrations were higher in boys and increased with age. More than 41% of the participants were sensitized to at least one specific allergen. Such sensitization was strongly associated with the occurrence of respiratory conditions and symptoms, namely asthma, wheezing and rhinitis. Family history, school location and ethnic origin had an impact on the prevalence of atopy and total IgE levels. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic sensitization is a major determinant in the development of asthma, wheezing and rhinitis in children and adolescents in the province of Québec.

Exposure to carbon monoxide during indoor karting.

Karting is a recreational activity of increasing popularity and it is often practiced indoors leading to build up of toxic gases in ambient air. This study was realised to verify the level of exposure to carbon monoxide (CO) in ten male racers (Age: 15 to 49 years old) during a 45-min race. The alveolar concentration of CO (alvCO) for each participant was measured before and after the race. The ambient CO level was determined continuously from the start to the end of the race with two detectors. Mean ambient air CO concentration was 41 ppm and the average increase of alvCO for the ten subjects was 16.2 ppm corresponding to about 3% COHb. Based on these results and on the Coburn model, a reference limit of 25 ppm was suggested for a 1 h exposure during indoor karting. At the request of the public health authorities, some modifications were made to the karts, to the CO monitoring surveillance system and to the ventilation system of the building. CO concentrations were monitored thereafter. The guideline of 25 ppm for 60 min was always respected.