The Lead Poisoning of America Has Parallels to the Old Roman Empire

Lead use was widespread in American culture until the mid-twentieth century. Early Americans used lead in their pewter dinnerware. The American Scientist reviewed the book, "The Great Lead Water Pipe Disaster," by Werner Troesken. Quoting the article, "'A few years after World War I ended, National Geographic magazine published a series of advertisements touting the value of lead in the newly developing consumer economy of the United States. One of these National Lead Company ads blared, 'Lead helps to guard your health,' illustrating this message with lead-containing objects from a modern bathroom, including porcelain tiles, sink, tub, water heater, paint and piping.'" In the mid-nineteenth century, large U.S. Cities relied on lead water pipes when constructing new municipal water systems. Lead poisoning had been well-known since the time of the Roman Empire, so this widespread use is inexplicable.

Lead Poisoning has Been Linked to the Violent Crime Wave of the 1980's.

According to a Washington Post article, people with lead poisoning are much more inclined to commit crime. An economist has documented the correlation of degrees of lead poisoning with greatly increased crime rates. The compelling fact is that the evidence held true in nine different countries. If interested you may read the story by this author, "Lead Poisoning from Leaded Gasoline Probably Caused the Violent Crime Wave in the 1980's." The use of leaded gasoline peaked in the1960's and the higher concentrations of auto exhausts and effects of lead piping in the water systems in the cities, probably contributed to higher crime rates in cities. Many rural families did not have running water in that era, so would not have had as much exposure to lead piping. The violent crime rates have dropped greatly in all major cities since governments have instituted lead abatement programs and leaded gasoline, a major contributor to lead poisoning, has been banned by the federal government.

During Childhood, We Cast Toy Soldiers from Molten Lead

Until fairly recently, the country's attitude about lead was very cavalier. I remember that one of my childhood friends had a kit with which we melted lead and poured it into moulds to cast tiny lead figures of toy soldiers. After they cooled, we painted them, probably with lead-based paint.

Lead Poisoning was Probably a Large Factor in the Fall of The Roman Empire

Many people believe that the collapse of the Roman Empire was precipitated, at least in part, by the lead poisoning of the populace by their lead pipe plumbing. I had always assumed that this occurred because they were unaware of the risk. I was amazed that they were not only well aware of the lead poisoning, but they intentionally added lead to food and drink. This is according to a U.S. EPA article . Quoting the article, "Lead was a key component in face powders, rouges, and mascaras; the pigment in many paints ("crazy as a painter" was an ancient catch phrase rooted in the demented behavior of lead-poisoned painters); a nifty spermicide for informal birth control; the ideal "cold" metal for use in the manufacture of chastity belts; a sweet and sour condiment popular for seasoning and adulterating food; a wine preservative perfect for stopping fermentation or disguising inferior vintages."

Some Believe Poisoning by Lead Plumbing was Largely Prevented by Hard Water

Some sources believe that their lead plumbing system gave a low level of lead poisoning to everyone who used the system. Other sources say that a coating deposited on the inside of the piping by the hard water supply actually protected them to a large extent from the lead. According to the EPA article, the more affluent citizens could afford to add lead to their food and drink. The higher degree of poisoning of the aristocracy contributed to "the conspicuous pattern of mental incompetence that came to be synonymous with the Roman elite." This incompetent behavior was exemplified by the legendary, scandalous act of Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

The Roman lead was mined by slaves whose short, miserable lives were worsened by lead poisoning.

The Aggressive Behavior of the Roman Empire May Have Been a Symptom of Lead Poisoning

The Washington Post article also says lead poisoning causes "impulsivity and aggression," which are probably the links to the higher crime rate. Sociologists might consider the traits of "aggression and impulsivity" caused by lead poisoning in helping explain the domination of the known world by the Romans. These traits would be very relevant in determining motivations of behavior of both the Roman armies and their leaders, who would be affected to an even greater extent.

Brass Water faucets can Legally Contain Up to 8% Lead

I am assuming many of the lead water mains have been replaced, but it appears that in areas with hard water, a coating builds up inside the pipe and to a large extent, prevents much lead from leaching into the water. In soft-water areas this protection is absent. Nevertheless, lead piping is still considered a danger everywhere. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission will pay as much as $1000 of the replacement cost of the water line from the water main to the house, because these service lines to homes in Boston constructed before 1950 are probably of lead. Faucets may contain up to 8% lead, so even if your home has no lead piping, it is a good idea, when no water has been run overnight, to flush out the water that has been lying in the faucet, before drinking any.

According to the American Scientist article, lead-based paint was not banned until 1978 and is still considered a problem in older houses with peeling paint. The lead was added to paint to promote durability and brighter colors.

Most of us cannot comprehend why the Romans, being fully aware of the dangers of lead poisoning, would still use it without much restriction. This seemingly self-destructive attitude is reflected in the many parallels of lead use in our own country, demonstrating how we failed to heed the history of the Roman Empire. Actually we should not be so surprised at the self-destructive behavior of the Romans, as we followed the same path. Although the U. S. did not use lead as a food additive, we used it in ways that were almost identical to the Romans; in water pipes, paint, and many other consumer products, to the extent that many people had toxic levels in their blood. At times, man is his own worst enemy.

Disclaimer: I am not a scientist or healthcare professional. This article is written for informational purposes only. The purpose is not to give advice. Any action taken or not taken as a result of reading this article, is taken at your own risk. I am just relating my experiences and opinions and my opinions could be wrong. Always see a doctor or healthcare professional before making any healthcare decisions.

Sources:

Shankar Vedantam/"Research Links Lead Exposure, Criminal Activity"/Washington Post

Davis Rosner/"Plumbing the Plumbing"/American Scientist

Jack Lewis/"Lead Poisoning: A Historical Perspective"/U.S. EPA

BWSC/"The Lead Replacement Incentive Program"/Boston Water and Sewer Commission