Date of Award

Spring 6-9-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Environmental Science and University Honors

Department

Environmental Science and Management

Language

English

Subjects

Native American, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, Community Health

DOI

10.15760/honors.1563

Abstract

Native communities' exposure to anthropogenic Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS: "Forever Chemicals") are not demographically or geographically evenly distributed. Those who live near or on contaminated land or water are the most likely to accumulate dangerous amounts of PFAS that may have serious health consequences (Tribal PFAS Working Group 2021). Areas that tend to be most contaminated include landfills, airports, and military bases. Often Black, Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and low-income communities are placed near these "sacrificial zones" due to historic and current policies that segregate and marginalize people and families to polluted lands creating great environmental injustices (Dixie). In this thesis I will discuss 14 articles that delve into PFAS bodily accumulations in Native communities North of the 60th meridian in the U.S. and Canada and will come to understand that food and general practices deeply effect PFAS accumulation from community to community. Though there is overlap in some of the data found in this review, generalized understandings about Native peoples' bodily accumulations of PFAS in the region are hard to determine, and should be approached cautiously. I therefore conclude that to truly understand PFAS in Native communities, first-foods, first-medicines, and drinking water need to be tested. Native food, medicine, and water sovereignty should be centered, and Native leadership is paramount.

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/42164

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