Drivers of maternal accumulation of organohalogen pollutants in Arctic areas (Chukotka, Russia) and 4,4'-DDT effects on the newborns.

Background: One of the most worrying consequence of the production and use of persistent organohalogen pollutants (POPs) is the high accumulation in Arctic populations because of long-range transport. Study of the effects in these populations may illustrate human impacts that are difficult to assess in other locations with lower exposure to these compounds and more diverse pollutant influences.

Objective: We aimed to identify the main maternal characteristics influencing on the accumulation of these compounds and the effects on the newborns in a highly exposed Arctic population (Chukotka, Russia).