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THE EXPOSOME IN HUMAN EVOLUTION: FROM DUST TO DIESEL
Benjamin C Trumble1, Caleb E Finch2
1School of Human Evolution & Social Change and Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona 85287 USA.
Human evolution exposed ancestors to environmental toxins, influencing genetic changes and chronic diseases. Understanding the human exposome may reveal adaptations linked to inflammation and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Environmental health
- Human genetics
Background:
- Global exposure to air pollution and cigarette smoke causes 16 million premature deaths annually.
- These exposures represent novel environmental factors in human evolutionary history.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the history of the human exposome and its relationship with genetic changes during human evolution.
- To explore the impact of environmental toxins on human health across different evolutionary phases.
Main Methods:
- A phased historical investigation of the human exposome, from early hominid ancestors to the present.
- Analysis of environmental exposures (dust, smoke, pathogens, industrial chemicals) and their potential genetic consequences.
Main Results:
- Early hominids faced crustal dust, fecal aerosols, spores, and pathogens.
- Domestic fire introduced smoke toxins; agriculture and dense populations increased pathogen exposure.
- Industrialization brought fossil fuel toxins and tobacco, shifting mortality from infectious diseases to chronic inflammatory diseases.
Conclusions:
- The human exposome has evolved significantly, with novel toxins replacing ancient infectious agents as primary health threats.
- Genetic adaptations to ancient toxins may influence inflammation and longevity.
- Future health challenges include global warming, increased air pollution, and emerging infections.
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