Widespread use of metal caused estimated 2- to 3-point drop in IQ for nearly 180 years of Pax Romana

Scientists measured atmospheric concentrations of lead in ancient times and concluded the vast lead use of the Roman empire led to a drop in IQ in the population.

Roman children had only a fraction of the lead buildup that US children had in the 1970s due to leaded gasoline.

  • @[email protected]OPEnglish
    5•17 days ago

    Absolutely - IQ is not a good measure at all. But we do know that lead is a neurotoxin that has an effect on cognition. That at least holds up.