The studies conducted in 2001 and 2010 included permanent residents of indigenous nationalities
dwelling in the villages of Uelen and Kanchalan of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. We assessed health risks from
exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT insecticides, lead, and mercury according to Guidelines R
2.1.10.1920–04 and U.S. EPA methods; a health survey was also conducted based on questionnaires. Health risks
posed by ingestion of PCBs were mainly related to consumption of traditional foodstuffs contributing 84 % to the
risk profile. Secondary contamination of food products from indoor surfaces accounted for 56 % of DDT-related
health risks. For people of traditional occupations (hunters, fishermen, and reindeer herders) the risks of adverse
health effects of PCBs were 5 times higher than for those of other occupations. Low income of the local population,
high consumption of sea animal fat, alcohol abuse and ignorance of preventive measures resulted in 5–14 times increase
in health risks posed by PCB exposures. Low socioeconomic status may significantly modify the health risks
caused by bioaccumulation of persistent contaminants and heavy metals, its maximum impact being observed in
the coastal areas of Chukotka and mainly in relation to PCBs. For the residents of Uelen, the predicted carcinogenic
risk (up to 1.0 × 10–3) should be considered unacceptable.