The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), examined the effects of lead pollution on human health that occurred during the height of the Roman Empire, which lasted about 200 years, starting around 27 BC.
According to Euronews Radio on January 8, researchers examined records of three ice core samples collected from the Arctic to determine the level of lead contamination with high accuracy.
Restoration of a Roman mosaic in Italy
“We made physical measurements of lead pollution, used atmospheric modeling to determine what lead concentrations were like in Europe 2,000 years ago, and then used epidemiological correlations This modern method links air pollution with blood lead concentrations in children,” said Professor Joe McConnell, who led the above study.
According to research, more than 500 kilotons of lead were released into the atmosphere during the height of the Roman period due to mining activities. Scientists combined the above measurements with modern research on lead levels and cognitive decline to determine IQ loss, thereby deriving the level of lead exposure in Roman times that was sufficient to Reduces IQ by 2.5 – 3 points, with people near the mine being more affected.
Scientists say the study aims to increase understanding of the severity of lead poisoning in the context of air pollution. The team also considered and only factored in direct inhalation of lead in the air, not from soil, crops and water.
“Reducing 2.5 – 3 IQ points may not sound like a big deal, but considering the size of the entire population, this is a significant issue,” Mr. McConnell said.
What graffiti did children 2,000 years ago draw on the wall?
In addition to air pollution, people are also exposed to lead in many other ways through utensils, paints and cosmetics. Today, lead exposure is known to be especially harmful to young children and women of childbearing age. The World Health Organization (WHO) says even low levels of lead exposure can affect brain development.
