Living in poisoning environments: Invisible risks and human adaptation

Abstract

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.

Bioarchaeology of Arsenic, an Invisible Natural Pollutant, and Its Effect on the Mitimaes of Camarones Cove, Arica, during Inca Times

“…At CAM-9, other bioarchaeological data indicate that the site had a mixed economy (Arriaza, Huaman, et al 2018). Analysis of dentition revealed a high percentage of caries, dental calculus, and plant consumption (e.g., Zea mays , Phaseolous sp., among others).…”

“…In some places, such as Quebrada de Camarones, As concentrations average 1,000 μg/L—one hundred times more than the standard limit proposed by the WHO, which recommends that As in drinking water should not exceed 10 μg/L (Bundschuh et al 2008; Figueroa 2001; WHO 2003, 2008). Chronic regional endemic hydroarsenicism affects many populations (Litter and Bundschuh 2010) and presents a mosaic-type spatial distribution; that is, nearby communities can have different levels of natural contamination (Arriaza, Amarasiriwardena, et al 2018; Swift et al 2015). Therefore, water quality is of utmost importance when discussing the possible paleopathological, epidemiological, dietary, and social dynamics that confronted the ancient populations in this arid area of the continent.…”

Arsenic Methyltransferase and Methylation of Inorganic Arsenic

“…One population from Quebrada Valley of Chile, where arsenic levels in drinking water reache in excess of 200 μg/L, can metabolize arsenic efficiently and can rapidly reduce arsenic burden via urination [ 78 ]. Another population, namely, the Chinchorro settled in the Camarones valley in Chile with elevated levels of arsenic in natural water and showed increased rates of spontaneous abortions and childhood deaths, which prompted them to initiate mummification processes to cope with the loss [ 79 ]. This hypothesis is based on the finding that some archaeological sites had mummies of predominantly newborns and children [ 80 ].…”

“…This hypothesis is based on the finding that some archaeological sites had mummies of predominantly newborns and children [ 80 ]. When the arsenic content of bones and hair were analyzed, the arsenic burden was lower in the population 3000 to 500 years before present (BP) compared to the population 7000 to 3000 years BP, possibly because by this time they acquired advantageous polymorphisms in the AS3MT gene to efficiently metabolize arsenic [ 79 ].…”

Tributos, Piojos Y Dioses: Implicancias Culturales Y Prevalencia De La Pediculosis en Individuos Del Sitio Incaico De Camarones 9, Norte De Chile

“…y anomalías óseas como la espina bífida(Silva-Pinto et al 2010). Por último, basados en la alta presencia de lesiones cutáneas y arsénico acumulado en diversos tejidos del cuerpo de los individuos de CAM-9,Arriaza et al (2018) postulan que este sitio podría corresponder a un…”