Toxic bodies: perceived risk of internal contamination by chemical compounds in Spain

https://doi.org/10.18294/sc.2017.1161

Published 17 July 2017 Open Access


PhD in Social Anthropology. Head Professor, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain. image/svg+xml , PhD in Social Anthropology. Researcher, Food Observatory (Observatorio de la Alimentación, ODELA), Universidad de Barcelona, Spain. image/svg+xml , PhD in Philosophy. Retired Professor, Universidad de Barcelona, Spain. image/svg+xml



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Keywords:

Anthropology, Qualitative Research, Risk, Chemical Contamination, Human Body, Spain

Abstract


This article analyses the social perception of human exposure to chemical compounds and discourses and practices regarding bodily boundaries when faced with internal contamination. Based on qualitative and interdisciplinary research carried out in Catalonia, the social meanings attributed to the environmental and food dangers and risks related to chemical compounds that affect human health, and the place that the body takes in the production of these discourses, were explored. In order to do so, between June and November 2011, 43 semi-structured interviews with workers with some awareness of chemical contaminants were carried out, emphasizing how these people (re)interpret the different existing discourses about internal contamination as well as their perceptions regarding the introduction of chemical compounds into the body and the dangers that these substances pose to health.

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