The community that has been drinking water for thousands of years is dangerous for most people. As ScienceAlert reports, the inhabitants of the high mountain areas of northern Argentina have been living for thousands of years in an area where drinking water is heavily contaminated with arsenic. This toxic element naturally leaches out of volcanic rocks and passes into groundwater, which would cause severe health consequences for most people, ranging from cancer to birth defects and premature death.
However, in the town of San Antonio de los Cobres, situated at an altitude of almost 3,800 meters, natural selection seemingly operated differently. Genetic analysis reveals that the local population possesses a variant of the gene which allows them to metabolize arsenic more efficiently. This adaptation is remarkable considering the consistently high levels of arsenic in their drinking water.
The prolonged exposure to this contaminant, which is a known carcinogen, has historically posed a significant threat to the health of the population. Yet, through generations, a specific genetic mutation emerged, providing a protective advantage. This demonstrates how human populations can adapt to challenging environmental conditions, specifically concerning the consumption of drinking water contaminated with arsenic.
Topics: #arsenic #which #drinking
The Argentine population residing in northern mountain regions faces a significant health risk due to their long-standing reliance on water sources. Scientists are increasingly intrigued by this situa
The Argentine population residing in northern mountain regions faces a significant health risk due to their long-standing reliance on water sources. Scientists are increasingly interested in a unique