SVALBARD - Welcome to our research project

As a partner in the EU project ArcSolution, MISA 2 at UiT invites women aged 18 to 44 residing in Longyearbyen on Svalbard to participate in the MISA 2 survey, focusing on environmental toxins, diet, and lifestyle.

 ArcSolution aims to reduce pollution in the Arctic through a One Health approach that encompasses both environmental and human health considerations. MISA 2's primary focus is to investigate environmental toxins in women of reproductive age, as well as to examine diet and lifestyle more comprehensively. MISA has previously included women in mainland Northern Norway, and now it is time to study women in Svalbard.

MAIN FOCUS

Our main focus will be on environmental toxins, examining various pollutants in biological material—both organic compounds and toxic metals. We will specifically measure fluorinated substances (PFAS) and mercury, as well as microplastics in the placenta after childbirth for pregnant participants. Considering recent findings in Longyearbyen's drinking water, it is also relevant to map manganese levels in Svalbard's population. Manganese and other toxic and essential trace elements are included in our planned portfolio of analyses. Since the main source of environmental toxins is diet, we also have a particular focus on the food you eat.

On the survey day, we will measure your hemoglobin levels, which you can request upon completion. Biological material will be transported to the Biobank at UiT after the survey for later analysis at various intervals. We will update our website as analyses are completed, and reports and research results are available. We do not automatically provide test results, but as a participant, you have the right to access your results by contacting us.

Your contribution is important—regardless of who you are, how long you've lived on Svalbard, or where you originally came from. By participating, you will help provide valuable insights into women's health overall and the current status of reproductive health. All participants who complete the survey and questionnaire will be entered into a draw for 20 gift cards, each worth 500 NOK.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INVITATION BY MAIL

All women aged 18 to 44 residing in Longyearbyen and understanding Norwegian, English, or Thai are invited to participate in the research project, including both permanent and temporary residents.

According to an address list from the Tax Directorate, women will receive an invitation by mail approximately 14 days before the survey begins. The letter will include detailed project information and an appointment letter with a designated time.

If you are unable to attend at your assigned time, you can arrive at any time during our opening hours. If you have not received a letter (it may have been lost in the mail), you can still attend the survey by bringing valid identification.

SURVEY OPENING HOURS - INCLUDING DROP-IN

Please note that we have reserved time slots for drop-in from 8:00 to 10:00 and during the last hour of each day during the survey period. There is also good capacity for drop-in on Saturdays.

WHEN YOU ATTEND THE SURVEY

The survey takes approximately 30 minutes. We will ask you to:

• Measure your height and weight
• Provide blood, urine, hair, and toenail samples
• Measure your hemoglobin levels
• Complete a short questionnaire focusing on lifestyle habits related to environmental toxins, diet, lifestyle, health, and your background

You will also be asked to complete a more detailed questionnaire at home. If you have BankID, you can complete it digitally; otherwise, you will receive a paper form. The deadline for submission is 14 days.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE SURVEY

• Avoid cutting your toenails for at least two weeks before the survey. Remove nail polish from your toenails before attending.
• Live and eat as usual in the weeks leading up to the survey.
• You can eat as normal on the survey day.
• Drink water before attending to make it easier to provide a urine sample.
• Wear a short-sleeved garment underneath to facilitate blood sampling.
• Write down and bring the following information: Name, strength, manufacturer, and dosage (how much/how often) of any medications and supplements (e.g., omega-3, vitamins, trace elements, minerals, or other supplements—pills, powders, liquids, etc.).

ARE YOU PREGNANT?

If you are pregnant, you are also welcome to participate. Contact us for a tailored information sheet. In addition to the procedures described above, we will ask you to donate your placenta after childbirth for microplastic analysis.

We will recruit pregnant participants until spring 2026. The midwife in Svalbard will organize and conduct the collection. Women who become pregnant during autumn 2025 and spring 2026 will receive a new invitation to participate.

VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

Participation is voluntary. Please read the attached information sheet you received in the invitation letter or visit our website for more details about what participation entails.

CONTACT

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions about the project.

• MISA Phone: +47 776 20740
• MISA Mobile: +47 922 18 793
• MISA Email: misa@ism.uit.no

Materials are available in Norwegian, English, or Thai. Contact us if you would like materials in a language other than the one you received.

Welcome to the MISA survey from June 4 to June 17!

By participating, you contribute to important research on women's health and maternal-child health.

Join us and make a difference!