Safeguarding the Arctic Frontier: Addressing Emerging Health Hazards with Expert R&D

The Arctic has become a region of growing strategic and scientific importance, bringing with it an influx of both military and research personnel, with more on the way. Exploration of untapped environments can bring unique challenges, from unfamiliar pathogens that pose a risk to human health to logistical challenges related to extreme weather.  

Proactively identifying and understanding these hazards is the first step in developing risk mitigation strategies to ensure sustainable safety and success in the Arctic. At Battelle, we’re developing methods that can be replicated and deployed to sites across the region.  

The Arctic: A New Frontier for Research and Military Operations 

Why all this focus on the Arctic? For starters, it’s a region rich in natural resources and a key player in environmental research. But it’s also becoming a strategic hotspot for military activity. As ice recedes, new shipping lanes and access points are opening up, making the Arctic a critical area for national security and international cooperation. 

With this surge of activity comes a new set of challenges. The Arctic environment is harsh and unpredictable, and the risks go far beyond frostbite and snow blindness. The very ground beneath our feet—permafrost frozen for thousands of years—is starting to thaw. Add to that the logistical hurdles of keeping people, equipment, and infrastructure functioning in extreme cold, and it’s clear that operating in the Arctic will require novel solutions.  

Environmental Health Risks: More Than Meets the Eye 

One of the most noteworthy concerns is thawing permafrost. This frozen ground acts as a cap, trapping gases and organic materials. As global temperatures rise, this ground is beginning to thaw, leading to structural challenges like erosion, landslides, and infrastructure damage, as well as the potential reanimation of ancient pathogens.  

Our teams have been working on the ground in Alaska, taking core samples from permafrost and using advanced genomic sequencing to see what’s hiding in the ice. The questions we’re asking: Are these pathogens harmful to humans? How might people be exposed? And what does this mean for military personnel and local communities? 

But pathogens aren’t the only concern. The Arctic has also served as a kind of deep freeze for chemicals like heavy metals and PFAS—substances that can harm human health. As the ice melts, these chemicals can be released into the environment, potentially contaminating water sources and entering the food chain. Our research has shown that these risks are not just theoretical; they’re real and require a proactive approach to monitoring and mitigation. 

Beyond Biology: The Challenge of Winterizing Gear and Infrastructure 

The day-to-day demands of operating in Arctic conditions provide just as many challenges as the high-profile biological threats. Imagine trying to keep medical supplies like IV bags and blood products from freezing solid or ensuring that critical equipment doesn’t seize up in subzero temperatures. Even something as simple as a gas mask can become compromised if its valves freeze open. 

Battelle is taking a holistic approach to this research. We don’t look at problems in isolation, but cast a wide net, reviewing research projects, talking to stakeholders, and developing methods that can be applied at scale. Alaska has served as our test bed, but the methods we’re developing are adaptable and ready to be implemented in other regions.  

We are at the forefront of developing novel solutions to decipher emerging threats before they become critical issues.  

The Arctic is changing fast, and the risks are evolving just as quickly. Battelle is committed to ensuring the Arctic remains a place of discovery, innovation, and safety. Whether detecting hidden pathogens, monitoring chemical hazards, or keeping critical equipment running in the coldest conditions, we’re working to support the full spectrum of operations.