Lead Toxicity: History, Effects, and Ancient Exposure

Lead is a toxin and lead poisoning has been documented for more than 6,000 years. Some believe that the toxicity of lead had a profound effect on the Roman Empire.

First Known Mention

• The first known mention of lead toxicity was made by Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician. He described lead poisoning and the associated symptoms as early as the fourth century BCE.

Roman Empire

• In the Roman Empire and other ancient and medieval societies, a lead acetate syrup was often added to food and wine. Some scholars believe that the resulting mass lead poisoning contributed significantly to the fall of the empire.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

• Symptoms of lead poisoning often include the loss of appetite, weight and energy, pallor, abdominal pain and irritability. Symptoms often have begun before blood levels reach 2 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood, and levels exceeding 10 micrograms per deciliter are fatal to children and extremely dangerous for adults.

Absorption and Excretion

• Though adults can usually excrete 99 percent of lead breathed or ingested within a few weeks, extended exposure can force the body to store it in tissue and organs. Children are more sensitive to lead poisoning, as their bodies can only excrete 32 percent of the lead they take in.

Health Concerns

• Because overexposure to lead can have negative health effects, many recommend having your pipes tested for lead to ensure that no toxins are getting into your water. Testing the paint on and in your home is recommended as well, as lead-based paint was once common.