Representatives from several indigenous Arctic communities are attending the fourth meeting of the United Nations Environment Program’s Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in Geneva, Switzerland. These UN conferences are devoted to limiting and eventually eliminating pollutant emissions of the most dangerous chemicals.

Arctic communities are key in this battle. It is they who are most affected by air and water pollution worldwide. The Arctic acts as a “cold trap” for both atmospheric and oceanic contaminants that drift to the region. Indigenous communities not only breathe the thin, polluted air but also rely heavily on contaminated sea creatures for sustenance.

Even in low doses, the chemicals the UN is addressing can have harmful health effects including suppression of the immune system, developmental disabilities, diabetes, impairment of reproductive health and cancer.

Chemicals in their air and food also harm unborn children in these areas. Last year, a study conducted by the Alaska State Department of Public Health revealed the highest rate of birth defects in the nation—double the national average. Scientists from the United Nations Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program discovered in 2007 that there is a gender imbalance in the Arctic areas of Greenland, Canada and Russia caused by the chemicals there. Harmful chemicals are also secreted to young children through breast milk.

The United States has yet to ratify the Stockholm Convention.

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