The American continent, and especially the Andean region, possesses a great abundance of mineral resources, ranging from metals of high economic value to toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury and lead. As a result, the human populations that have inhabited these territories for thousands of years have been continuously exposed to toxic substances naturally present in water, soils and diet.
Mere occupation of these territories can generate chronic exposure and intoxication; however, throughout history this exposure has intensified in different contexts due to the exploitation of minerals for ritual, sumptuary and economic purposes, including mining during the viceregal period. These processes have had—and continue to have—important consequences for human health.
This symposium brings together research on the effects of exposure to heavy metals and other toxic substances on human populations throughout history. Contributions come from disciplines such as bioarchaeology, history, genomics, preventive medicine and public health. Analyzing this problem from multiple perspectives and with historical depth seeks to provide an interdisciplinary view that contributes both to scientific research and to future public health and environmental strategies.
