Living in poisoning environments: Invisible risks and human adaptation.
Evol Anthropol
; 27(5): 188-196, 2018 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30369007
This article describes the hidden natural chemical contaminants present in a unique desert environment and their health consequences on ancient populations. Currently, millions of people are affected worldwide by toxic elements such as arsenic. Using data gathered from Atacama Desert mummies, we discuss long-term exposure and biocultural adaptation to toxic elements. The rivers that bring life to the Atacama Desert are paradoxically laden with arsenic and other minerals that are invisible and tasteless. High intake of these toxic elements results in severe health and behavioral problems, and even death. We demonstrate that Inca colonies, from Camarones 9 site, were significantly affected by chemical contaminants in their food and water. It appears however, some modern-day Andean populations resist the elevated levels of arsenic exposure as a result of positive selection mediated via the arsenic methyltransferase enzyme and display more tolerance to high chemical doses. This article further debate the effects of natural pollution and biocultural adaptation of past populations.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Intoxicação por Arsênico
/
Exposição Ambiental
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Child
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Evol Anthropol
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Chile
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos