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

Salud Colect. 2017 Apr-Jun;13(2):225-237. doi: 10.18294/sc.2017.1161.
[Article in Spanish]

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.

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Food Contamination
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Qualitative Research
  • Risk
  • Social Perception*
  • Spain

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants