The Health Effects Monitoring Program (YKHEMP) is a long-term study led by researchers from the University of Ottawa and the University of Waterloo. The program monitors residents’ exposure to metals of concern—such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium—in Yellowknife, Ndılǫ, and Dettah, communities located near Giant Mine.
Understanding lead exposures is particularly important because any level of lead can be harmful, especially for children and pregnant women.
Participants who took part in testing in 2017-18 and 2023 provided a urine sample that was tested for lead. Lead levels in urine reflect recent exposure to lead and can vary from day to day. Blood lead is considered the best way to measure lead exposure because it reflects both recent exposure and the amount of lead stored in your body.
Baseline Testing (2017–2019)
- In 2017-18, over 2,000 participants, aged 3 to 79, took part in the first phase of the study.
- 60 had lead levels in their urine that were higher than usually observed in Canada. All of these participants were invited for follow-up testing.
- 32 returned in 2019 and provided a blood sample.
- All adults had blood lead levels below 10 micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL), Canada’s intervention level1.
- All children had blood lead levels below 5 µg/dL, the action level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)2.
Five-Year Follow-Up with Children and Youth (2023–2025)
- In 2023, 388 children and youth, aged 3 to 23, took part in follow-up testing.
- 43 had lead levels in their urine that were higher than usually observed in Canada. All of these participants were invited for follow-up testing.
- 22 returned in 2024-25 and provided a blood and/or urine sample.
- All had blood lead levels below 3.5 µg/dL, an updated and stricter action level now used for children2.
- Of the 18 children and youth who provided urine samples in 2023 and 2024-25, 16 showed a 50% or more decrease in urine lead.
These results suggest the lead sources that contributed to the increase in urine lead between 2017-18 and 2023 may no longer be ongoing—but continued monitoring remains important.
What’s Next?
- Continued Monitoring: YKHEMP will continue testing every 5 years. The next round is planned for 2028 for participants aged 3 and up.
- Community Support: Participants will continue receiving information and support.
- Prevention Tips: The study will share simple steps to help reduce lead exposure and protect health.
YKHEMP remains committed to supporting communities in staying informed, safe, and healthy.
If you are concerned about elevated lead levels, the GNWT is inviting residents to contact Primary Care by completing the Callback Request Form and select ‘YK Primary Care Regarding Public Health Order’.
How To Lower Your Exposure to Lead3 4
Flush your taps: If water has been sitting in the pipes, (i.e., overnight), run the cold tap for 60 seconds before use. Always use cold tap water for cooking and drinking.
Eat a healthy diet: Good nutrition helps your body absorb less lead. Focus on foods rich in:
– Calcium: milk, yogurt, cheese, spinach, and kale
– Iron: lean meat, lentils, beans, and iron fortified cereals
– Vitamin C: oranges, bell peppers, berries, and spruce tips
Control household dust: Wipe floors, windowsills, and surfaces regularly with a damp cloth or mop—especially in older homes, where dust may contain lead.
Check your plumbing: Homes built before 1986 may have lead-containing plumbing materials or fittings. If your home was built before 1975, it might have lead pipes. The City of Yellowknife may be able to provide more information.
Stay informed on imported products: Some imported toys, cosmetics, glazed pottery, or international traditional remedies may contain lead. Buy from trusted sources and check for safety alerts or product recalls.
References
1Government of Canada. (2013, February 4). Lead. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/environmental-contaminants/lead.html
2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, April 4). CDC updates blood lead reference value. https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/php/news-features/updates-blood-lead-reference-value.html
3Government of Canada. (2016, May 2). Reduce your exposure to lead. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-garden-safety/reduce-your-exposure-lead.html
4Government of Canada. (2018, May 2). Lead and cadmium in children’s jewellery. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/injury-prevention/lead-cadmium-children-jewellery.html
