Graduate Abstract

Glenna Lee
Spring 2000

Communicating the Risks and Hazards of Methylmercury to the Ojibwe Population

by

Glenna Lee

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the

Master of Science Degree

Department of Environmental Studies
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs

Graduate College
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Spring 2000

Dr. Shawn L. Gerstenberger, Examination Committee Chair
Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

ABSTRACT

Fatal poisonings due to the consumption of fish containing high concentrations of methylmercury have been well documented, and demonstrate that the consumption of mercury-contaminated fish and other organisms can contribute to adverse human health effects. Native Americans of the Great Lakes region are one of the populations potentially subjected to greater concentrations of methylmercury than the general population because fishery is an integral part of their culture. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Ojibwe of the Great Lakes region's understanding of the risks and hazards associated with the consumption of fish contaminated with methylmercury and increase their awareness, thus allowing them to make independent science-based decisions.