Ngram of the Day Preamble: It is believed that mankind has used lead for over 6000 years. Lead mining probably predated the Bronze or Iron Ages, with the earliest recorded lead mine in Turkey about 6500 BC. The oldest artifact of smelted lead is a necklace found in the ancient city site in Anatolia. The estimated age of this necklace is 6,000 to 8,000 years ago. There were many reasons for lead’s use other than its abundance and ease in obtaining it. Some of the properties which make it commercially attractive include: easy workability, low melting point, ability to form carbon metal compounds, hold pigments well, very easily recycled, stands up well to the outside weather elements, a high degree of corrosion resistance, it is inexpensive, etc. There are also several habits and customs of cultures that contributed to human exposure, such as using lead in medicines and cosmetics. Lead’s toxicity was recognized and recorded as early as 2000 BC and the widespread use of lead has been a cause of endemic chronic plumbism in several societies throughout history. The Greek philosopher Nikander of Colophon in 250 BC reported on the colic and anemia resulting from lead poisoning. Hippocrates related gout to the food and wine, though the association between gout and lead poisoning was not recognized during this period ( 450-380 BC). Later during the Roman period, gout was prevalent among the upper classes of Roman society and is believed to be a result of the enormous lead intake. lead.org.au/history_of_lead_poisoning_in_the_world.htm
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 20:02:54 +0000
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