Community-Led Assessment of Risk from Exposure to Mercury by Native Amerindian Wayana in Southeast Suriname
Joint Authors
Augustine, Sarah
Peplow, Daniel
Source
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
Issue
Vol. 2012, Issue 2012 (31 Dec. 2012), pp.1-10, 10 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2011-11-15
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
10
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
This study was a collaboration between Western public health researchers and Suriname indigenous communities.
The question asked was “how can Western researchers effectively engage traditional indigenous communities in Suriname, South America, in public health research”.
The approach used a combination of Participatory Action Research methods in which “Western” researchers became participating observers in an indigenous-led research initiative.
The Wayana communities of Puleowime (Apetina) and Kawemhakan (Anapayke) defined a single objective: determine for themselves whether they are at risk from exposure to mercury (Hg) contamination.
Community members collected hair samples for analysis.
Hair samples were analyzed using a portable Hg analyzer.
Individual, community and hazard quotient indices were used to quantify risk.
Results showed the Wayana were at a high lifetime risk of adverse effects from exposure to Hg.
This study showed that the community-led approach is an effective way Westerners can engage indigenous communities and address serious public health threats.
While factors that appealed to indigenous communities were identified, obstacles inherent to Western research methodology were also encountered.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Peplow, Daniel& Augustine, Sarah. 2011. Community-Led Assessment of Risk from Exposure to Mercury by Native Amerindian Wayana in Southeast Suriname. Journal of Environmental and Public Health،Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-489517
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Peplow, Daniel& Augustine, Sarah. Community-Led Assessment of Risk from Exposure to Mercury by Native Amerindian Wayana in Southeast Suriname. Journal of Environmental and Public Health No. 2012 (2012), pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-489517
American Medical Association (AMA)
Peplow, Daniel& Augustine, Sarah. Community-Led Assessment of Risk from Exposure to Mercury by Native Amerindian Wayana in Southeast Suriname. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2011. Vol. 2012, no. 2012, pp.1-10.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-489517
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-489517