ABSTRACT
Pollution affects parameters of interest to biological anthropologists. These include human reproduction, human growth and ageing, morbidity, and mortality. All these outcomes are based on physiological systems that are susceptible to disturbance by one or more pollutants. In fact, many systemic effects can be traced to effects of pollutants on endocrine pathways or on neurotransmitters which are involved in endocrine system regulation. The main exceptions are target organ effects such as damage to lung tissue by some irritating air pollutants. Correct understanding of the biological effects of pollution depends on the use and proper interpretation of both laboratory and field studies.
