Dados Bibliográficos

AUTOR(ES) L. Figueroa , Vivien Standen , Dulasiri Amarasiriwardena , John Van Hoesen , Jorge Yáñez , B. Arriaza , James T. Cushing- , Ernan McMullin
AFILIAÇÃO(ÕES) Departamento de Química Universidad de Tarapacá Arica Chile, Departamento de Antropología Universidad de Tarapaca Arica Chile, School of Natural Science Hampshire College Amherst Massachusetts, USA, Green Mountain College Poultney Vermont, USA, Departamento de Química Analítica e Inorgánica, Laboratorio de Trazas Elementales & Especiación (LABTRES), Facultad de Ciencias Químicas Universidad de Concepción Concepción Chile, Universidad de Tarapaca
ANO 1989
TIPO Book
ADICIONADO EM 2025-08-14
MD5 C40ADE445A351F72BC0FEC4A3AF1F56F
MD5 07633d6d2fa986ffb987cb67d4966590

Resumo

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.

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