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1326980 
Journal Article 
Exploring chronic arsenic poisoning in pre-Columbian Chilean mummies 
Arriaza, B; Amarasiriwardena, D; Cornejo, L; Standen, V; Byrne, S; Bartkus, L; Bandak, B 
2010 
Yes 
Journal of Archaeological Science
ISSN: 0305-4403
EISSN: 1095-9238 
37 
6 
1274-1278 
WOS:000276764100017 
This paper explores to what extent arsenic poisoning
affected pre-Columbian northern Chile populations living between Arica and Iquique cities. We
hypothesize, the pre-Columbian inhabitants of this region, will show arseniasis according to
modern geographic endemic levels. Continuous exposure to high levels of arsenic causes serious
health problems. Today, in the Camarones valley, where many Chinchorro people lived, arsenic
levels are 100 times above the 10 mu g/L recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) we determined
arsenic levels in a single strand of hair of 45 Arica mummies coming from ten sites (Morro 1,
Morro 1/5, Yungay 372, Camarones 8, 9, 15D, and 17 and Azapa 140, Sermenia and Patillos), ranging
from Chinchorro (ca. 5000-2000 years B.C.) to the Late Intermediate Period (1000-1400 years AD.).
Each hair was cleaned using distilled ionized water and placed on double sided mounting tape and
ablated using a 266 nm Nd-YAG UV laser. Hair samples were also investigated for potential
diagenesis. Results indicate minimal diagenesis. Arsenic hair (AsH) concentrations in the mummies
ranged from <0.8 to 262.2 mu g/g. We noted AsH variability within burial sites as well as
regional variation. The Morro mummies have the highest mean group value (58 +/- 103.8 mg/g).
Contrary to hypothetical expectations, some Arica Chinchorro mummies have high values, perhaps
indicating inter site mobility related to exogamous marriage and mummification rites. Our study
shows that ancient people of northern Chile were significantly affected by arsenic poisoning
throughout generations. Finally, this study calls attention to naturally occurring eco-toxic
contaminants and its impact on ancient Andean people. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights
reserved. 
Arseniasis; Ancient mummy hair; Arica; LA-ICP-MS