As a partner in the EU project ArcSolution, MISA 2 at UiT invites women aged 18 to 44 residing in Longyearbyen, 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 comprehensively examine their diet and lifestyle. MISA has previously included women in mainland Northern Norway, and now it is time to study women in Svalbard.
MAIN FOCUS
Our primary 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 primary 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 of the survey. 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.
ARE YOU PREGNANT?
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If you are pregnant, you are welcome to attend an examination with the midwife at UNN Longyearbyen. In addition to the examinations described below for women in general, we also ask if you are willing to donate the placenta after the birth of your child for the study of microplastics, subject to the condition that your chosen place of birth is able to carry out the collection.
We are continuously recruiting pregnant women for the study until spring 2026. The midwife in Svalbard will distribute information sheets to pregnant women. Women who become pregnant during the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026 will receive a new invitation to participate. The study will commence once you, as a pregnant participant, provide consent to participate in the MISA study. The midwife will then organize and carry out the collection process.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
All women aged 18 to 44 residing in Longyearbyen, who understand 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 midwife at Svalbard or from the Tax Directorate for the general study in June 2025, women will receive a postal invitation. The letter will include detailed project information and details about the appointment.
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
For the June 2025 examination, we reserved time slots for drop-in sessions from 8:00 to 10:00 and during the last hour of each day during the survey period. There was also good capacity for drop-in on Saturdays.
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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| WEEK 23 |
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10−20 |
08−20 |
08−18 |
10−15 |
| WEEK 24 |
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08−19 |
08−19 |
08−20 |
08−18 |
10−15 |
| WEEK 25 |
08−19 |
08−17 |
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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.
We also ask that you 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.
For pregnant women, we also ask if they are willing to donate the placenta at birth for the study of microplastics and environmental toxins.
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 usual 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.).
VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION
Participation is voluntary. Please read the attached information sheet that you received with the invitation letter, or visit our website for more details about what participation entails.
CONTACT
Please contact 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!
By participating, you contribute to necessary research on women's health and maternal and child health.
Join us and make a difference!
