Mercurialism Determination in Fetuses Bone Remains from Toluquilla, Queretaro, Mexico

Abstract

There are few mentions in Mexican archaeology for study of prehispanic underground mining to exploit the cinnabar, but there are lots of references about their use as pigment for different kind of artifacts in Mesoamerican archaeology. Our research settled at Sierra Gorda emphasized the ancient life form specialized in production and trade of mercury ore, and that includes specific analysis to the human remains gathered in the archaeological work to determination how many of their inhabitants were evolved at this economic activity. The ancient mining was so intensive and extensive at this region pollutes their environment affecting to the ancient population in their health. We present a few rare and special cases with important medical implications about health condition of ancient pregnant women with a journey through toxicological issues and bioaccumulation of mercury in their bodies. The archaeological excavation provides skeletal remains of 200 individuals. We presented 37 cases that represent the diversity of population composition with adults (men and woman), adolescents and infants and 4 rare cases of fetuses buried at Toluquilla archaeological zone. In each case a bone sample was taken for determination of heavy metals by spectrometric chemical techniques. The measurement results for total mercury in bones lead us evaluate the medical implications about their individual health condition and propose a few lines concerning the ancient public health.