Discourses on the Toxic Effects of Internal Chemical Contamination in Catalonia, Spain. Issue 2 (17th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larrea-Killinger, Cristina; Muñoz, Araceli; Mascaró, Jaume; Zafra, Eva; Porta, Miquel
• Is Part Of: Medical anthropology. Volume 36:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 125
• Page End: 140
• Publication Date: 2017-02-17
• Subjects: Body burden -- internal chemical contamination -- risk of toxic effects -- social perception of danger -- Spain; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; 362.1
• DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2016.1182999
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-9740

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Human exposure to and contamination by environmental toxic compounds generates discourses and practices that merit greater attention. In this article, we assess internal chemical contamination and the risk of toxic effects as an experience related to the production of meaning in everyday life. Drawing on the analysis of semantic networks of narratives from semi-structured interviews conducted with 43 informants in Catalonia, Spain, we consider participants' perceptions of the health risks of toxic compounds, including social discourses on exposure, toxicity, and internal chemical contamination, and on responsibilities, consequences, and proposed strategies for controlling toxic compounds. Informants' narratives on the relationships between nature and nurture suggest that they no longer perceive rigid boundaries separating the human body from the external environment and its chemical pollutants.