Lead poisoning has a long history as way back to the Romans for more than 2,000 years ago. In fact for Romans, lead is part of their daily living. Even though they know that it is poisonous, they believe that small exposure to the compound isn’t harmful. Roman aqueducts are constructed of lead and Roman aristocrats or nobles are much exposed to this compound because they ate a lot or consume numerous wines, utensils they use and others, which have a high amount of lead. As a result many of the Roman aristocrats died unknown from lead poisoning.
When the Roman Empire fall the use of lead were discontinued. During the Middle Ages, lead was used on various functions such as Alchemist and in the first printing presses. Lastly, as the people during the Renaissance and Middle Ages know that lead was very dangerous, it is also used for sadistic purposes like gunpowder, guns and other means or weapon for wars. It is also used to murder monarchs.
After the Renaissance period lead was still around. During the 1900’s the U.S. was the biggest and largest producer and consumer of lead. In addition, according to some assessment during the 1980’s the U.S. consumes for about 1.3 million of lead annually. It is used for paint, pipes and gasoline and other uses.
Lead is also very significant for economic growth within the U.S. especially during the early 19th century. However, when car companies started to use lead to gasoline, it caused some serious problem for the people. Many people got very ill and some went crazy and others died. Although, it is believed to cause grave problems, it is still used until 1970, when the Environmental Protection Agency starts to remove lead from gasoline. Until this moment, many people are still at risk, especially if their houses are built beyond 1970’s, wherein lead was used in paint and pipes. The particles of lead can cause serious problem especially on the respiratory system.