Many Inuit living in Nunavut say they wouldn't change their diet over concerns about contaminants in their traditional foods, according to recent research.

A study released in the federal Northern Contaminants Program's 2009 report on human health suggests that 65 per cent of Nunavummiut surveyed would not change their diet over the risk of consuming contaminants, which include pollutants such as flame retardants and heavy metals like mercury.

Traces of such contaminants have floated into the Arctic environment from industrialized areas in the south.

The report found that contaminant levels in northern peoples have significantly declined over the last 10 years.

Contaminants are the last thing on the minds of Inuit who eat Inuksiutiit, or traditional country foods such as fish and game, according to the study.

"It really shouldn't be thought about, because they should be concentrating on enjoying the good food in front of them," said Janet Brewster, manager of health protection with the Nunavut government.

The study's lead author was not available for comment, but Brewster cited the figures in a presentation she made last week to the Northern Contaminants Program's annual symposium in Iqaluit.

Brewster said it's difficult to talk to people about contaminants in country food because the traditional diet offers Inuit so much: it's cheaper and more nutritious than store-bought food, she said, and it provides hunters with much-needed exercise.

"The benefits are greater than any concern that we would have about these, you know, very small parts of the food that may not be as healthy as we'd like it to be," she said.

"Inuit of Nunavut are experiencing food insecurity. They're experiencing poverty. We have some other health issues that are more concerning than this issue."

But officials with the Northern Contaminants Program, which is part of the federal Indian and Northern Affairs Department, say northerners should not dismiss the issue of Arctic contaminants altogether.

"I think what we need to do is engage northerners more into the research side and have them lead on those initiatives," said Russel Shearer, director of the Northern Science and Contaminants Research Directorate.

Brewster said contaminant issues should be considered in broader discussions on public health, and not in isolation.