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AMAP Assessment Report: Arctic Pollution Issues (1998)

A fully referenced, comprehensive scientific and technical report presenting the AMAP assessment on the status of the Arctic environment with respect to pollution, including extensive tabulations of the data (both published and unpublished) used by AMAP in its assessment.

FilePollution and Human Health — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:32 PM
The chapter on human health will describe the levels of contaminants in humans and their effects on human health. It has not been written as an overview of the general health of the peoples of the Arctic. Rather, this chapter is an evaluation of the current knowledge of the consequences to Arctic peoples of environmental exposure to priority contaminants as defined in the AMAP mandate.
FileClimate Change, Ozone, and Ultraviolet Radiation — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:32 PM
Global climate change is a growing concern, especially in Arctic regions where increases in temperature from anthropogenic influences could be considerably higher than the global average. Climatic changes are not new to the Arctic or its peoples. Indigenous peoples of the far north have adapted to the austere climate; different groups have found their own unique ways to harvest food and provide clothing, tools, and shelter
FileAcidifying Pollutants, Arctic Haze, and Acidification in the Arctic — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:27 PM
The emissions of acidifying compounds, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), have increased since pre-industrial times as fuel combustion, population and industrial activity have increased worldwide. These pollutants occur in considerable quantities and cause adverse effects on human health and the natural environment. Sulfur emissions are mainly associated with point sources such as power plants, smelters, pulp and paper mills, and oil and gas processing. In contrast, nitrogen oxides are derived not only from power generating stations but also from diffuse emissions, which are less easy to quantify.
FileRadioactivity — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:34 PM
This chapter deals with the assessment of radioactive contamination of the environment, radiation sources and associated radiological consequences within the Arctic. The purpose of this chapter is to provide a balanced appreciation of the nature and risks posed by radionuclides in the Arctic derived from all relevant and known sources.
FileHeavy Metals — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:34 PM
Heavy metals occur naturally in all ecosystems, but with large variations in concentration. They are also released to the environment from many different anthropogenic sources. This chapter identifies the metals that are relevant in a pollution context and considers the chemical forms in which they are found. It describes natural and man-made sources, pathways, and levels of heavy metals in the atmosphere and in the marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments.
FilePeoples of the Arctic: Characteristics of Human Populations Relevant to Pollution Issues — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:34 PM
This chapter provides an introduction to the inhabitants of the Arctic (Figure 5·1). While there is insufficient space to explore the extent of information that exists in the written literature or in the oral traditions of indigenous cultures, the information given here is intended to help understand how contaminants may affect Arctic residents, and to encourage further investigation of these effects.
FilePersistent Organic Pollutants — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:37 PM
Interest in the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Arctic aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems arises mainly from concerns that northern and indigenous peoples depending upon traditional food for most of their diet may be adversely affected by chronic exposure to these pollutants
FileThe Influence of Physical and Chemical Processes on Contaminant Transport into and within the Arctic — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:37 PM
The Arctic region is a seemingly pristine, remote environment, yet there is increasing evidence that it is greatly impacted by global pollution. It is a highly sensitive ecosystem. Compounds found in the Arctic are of concern not just because they are transported long distances, but also because they are bioaccumulated and biomagnified in the food chain. Consequently, an understanding of pollution pathways to and within the Arctic is of special concern.
FilePhysical/Geographical Characteristics of the Arctic — by admin — last modified Aug 11, 2014 04:37 PM
The vast region of the Arctic extends across northern North America, northern Europe and northern Asia, taking in eight countries and the expanses of sea and ocean in between. The terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments throughout this area exhibit considerable variation in climate, meteorology and physical geography. This chapter describes this diversity as a background to discussions on contaminants and other stressors in these environments.
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