[Levels of exposure to metals in population of Pechenga district of Murmansk region].

Serum levels of zincum, lead, nickel and mercury decrease in a row <>; average levels of manganese, cobalt, copper and arsenic are higher among females; in pregnant women serum levels of most metals are the lowest. If compared to the WHO. reference, levels of metals in whole blood demonstrated no excess in cobalt and cadmium, nearly absent - in arsenic, increased percentage of excess (but insignificant values) in copper and zincum, extremely high percentage of excess (and significant values) in manganese and nickel. Maximal manganese concentrations in blood reach 300 micrograms/I, those of nickel - 100 micrograms/I. Average blood concentrations of mercury in the examinees do not reach the most severe <> (S micrograms/1), and shares of men and women with blood concentrations of mercury over this limit are relatively small. Average blood concentrations of lead in the examinees do not reach lower allowable level (50 micrograms/1).

[Metallic content of water sources and drinkable water in industrial cities of Murmansk region].

Performed in 2013, sampling of centralized and noncentralized water-supply and analysis of engineering technology materials on household water use in 6 cities of Murmansk region (Nikel, Zapolyarny, Olenegorsk, Montchegorsk, Apatity, Kirovsk), subjected to industrial emissions, enabled to evaluate and compare levels of 15 metals in water sources (lakes and springs) and the cities' drinkable waters. Findings are that some cities lack sanitary protection zones for water sources, most cities require preliminary water processing, water desinfection involves only chlorination. Concentrations of most metals in water samples from all the cities at the points of water intake, water preparation and water supply are within the hygienic norms. But values significantly (2-5 times) exceeding MACs (both in water sources and in drinkable waters of the cities) were seen for aluminium in Kirovsk city and for nickel in Zapolarny and Nikel cities. To decrease effects of aluminium, nickel and their compounds in the three cities' residents (and preserve health of the population and offsprings), the authors necessitate specification and adaptation of measures to purify the drinkable waters from the pollutants. In all the cities studied, significantly increased concentrations of iron and other metals were seen during water transportation from the source to the city supply--that necessitates replacement of depreciated water supply systems by modern ones. Water taken from Petchenga region springs demonstrated relatively low levels of metals, except from strontium and barium.

[Influence of exposure to persistent toxic substances (PTS) on pregnancy outcomes in indigenous females of Chukotka].

No associations of enhanced blood levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and metals with premature births and low birth weight have been revealed; regarding POPs an inverse but not statistically significant relationship was noted. Maternal blood levels of POPs were higher in cases of stillbirths and congenital malformations. Nevertheless no increased relative risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes has been revealed in regard to any PTS and the dose range. More exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other POPs females gave birth to girls more often. Higher POPs blood levels were noted in females with earlier menarche, shortened menstrual cycle and prolonged menstrual bleeding.

[Peculiarities of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) in the indigenous population of the coastal and mainland Chukotka].

The indigenous people of coastal areas show a low percentage of low chlorinated and dioxin-like PCB congeners (as opposed to mainland aborigines) with a significant proportion of the "triad" in the amount of PCBs. 5 years after the first survey the ratio of the analyzed groups of PCB congeners in the blood of parturients - mothers, as well as in the fetus - child in the coastal Chukotka remained unchanged, indicating that the equal share rate of clearance-accumulation of congeners and is almost equal share content of PCB congeners in the mother and child. The average duration of half-lives of PCB congeners (#105-187) from the mother's body was 4-6 years (for the sum of PCBs - 5.7 years), which is broadly consistent with the results of foreign studies. The composition of PCB congeners in the blood of the continental population significantly differs from those in the food, while coastal residents--similar to the composition of PCBs in marine mammals. The content of PCB congeners in the domestic sources of pollution has no resemblance to the composition of PCBs in the blood of the natives.

[The blood levels of stable toxic substances in the native residents of costal Chukotka and their children's infection morbidity].

A considerable reduction in the blood levels of stable organic pollutants (SOP) has been noted in the mothers of native ethnicities of costal Chukotka during a 5-year period, which may be accounted for by certain purification of food chains, altered diet with emphasis on delivered products, and long-term breastfeeding. The elevated level of SOP in children from birth to age 5 years is explained by long-term breastfeeding and the early consumption of local foods. The content of heavy metals (mercury and lead) in both maternal and children's blood has unchanged for 5 years. The children's infection morbidity has been quite high; at the same time no associations of the children's blood levels of toxic substances with the incidence of infectious diseases have been found. However, two children maximally exposed to SOP and metals have been observed to be rarely susceptible to diseases.

[Blood heavy metals in women of indigenous ethnic groups in the Far North].

The paper presents the results of an investigation of the blood levels of mercury, lead, and cadmium in women of indigenous ethnic groups in the Far North. A certain correlation was found between the higher incidence of some poor pregnancy outcomes and fetal maldevelopment upon increased maternal exposure to heavy metals. The found correlations were statistically insignificant. There was no significant association of female exposure to heavy metals with menstrual irregularities and the sex ratio of neonates.

[Reduction of a risk of the deleterious effects of persistent toxic substances on the health of the far north population].

The paper presents the general principles and procedure of the development and implementation of measures to decrease and prevent environmental pollution with persistent toxic substances (PTS) in the Russian Arctic and, accordingly, to reduce a risk of the deleterious effects of PTS on human health. Based on the results of a study of PTS in the Russian Arctic (from the Kola Peninsula to Chukotka), the authors first systematized the basic lines and actions and formulated specific measures to reduce the North population's exposure to PTSs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, organic chlorine pesticides (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, etc.), and heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium). A package of measures is aimed at maximally reducing the presence of PTS-containing objects and materials in the north (via detection, collection, and extermination), at neutralizing the soils in settlement lands, at setting up safe water consumption systems, at organizing effective control over the safe use of chemicals and the levels of PTS in raw food materials and foodstuffs, and at working out recommendations on safe procedures for food purchase, storage, and cooking.