Dental Calculus and Health

A Taste of Hard Work: assessing the utility of ancient tartar to track exposure to respiratory irritants of occupational origin in ancient skeletal remains

My research focuses on the inequality of living conditions generated by labour divisions in ancient and traditional societies. I aim to promote a novel and cross-disciplinary approach to health, pollution and culture in ancient time and its implications to the modern world.

My project 'A Taste of Hard Work', funded by Wellcome Trust, will elucidate the potential of ancient tartar to reveal exposure to a variety of respiratory irritants and their links to health in past societies by unlocking the signature of inhaled/ingested occupational debris and pollutants generated during crafting. I am applying state-of-the-art microscopic methods in Archaeology and Physics, and working both with experimental archaeology and ancient skeletal material.