![Picture](/uploads/2/9/0/9/29093765/1399275478.jpg)
Arriaza tested hair strands from 45 Chinchorro mummies, representing three different geographic areas of where they were excavated. Using mass spectrometry methods, arsenic concentrations can be measured in the body because it persists in the keratin of human hair and nails. In his experimental results, Arriaza found that 9 out of 10 mummies had arsenic levels about one-third of these had above the substantially dangerous 10 µg/g.
Arsenic and other minerals leach and spread naturally from volcanic and other earthen formations, usually through water, wind, and rain erosion. Arsenic is most dangerous through chronic ingestion, so the Chinchorro must have been unknowingly consuming small doses nearly daily. Since water resources continued to be contaminated around Chile into recent years, the Chinchorro must have also been using this poisonous water. Their main food, which also grew using the arsenic-laced water, included polluted seeds, aquatic plants, and seafood.
It is suspected that the numerous infant deaths gave rise to the intricate mummification methods as a way to cope and keep their children in their lives. Eventually, they extended this practice to all of the deceased.
Arsenic and other minerals leach and spread naturally from volcanic and other earthen formations, usually through water, wind, and rain erosion. Arsenic is most dangerous through chronic ingestion, so the Chinchorro must have been unknowingly consuming small doses nearly daily. Since water resources continued to be contaminated around Chile into recent years, the Chinchorro must have also been using this poisonous water. Their main food, which also grew using the arsenic-laced water, included polluted seeds, aquatic plants, and seafood.
It is suspected that the numerous infant deaths gave rise to the intricate mummification methods as a way to cope and keep their children in their lives. Eventually, they extended this practice to all of the deceased.