Lead Poisoning in Human History
Lead has been poisoning humans for over 2 million years, with its toxic effects potentially rewiring early human brains and influencing the fate of the Neanderthals.
According to a study published in Science Advances, lead exposure is not a new issue, but rather a persistent problem that has affected human evolution, behavior, and language.
Lead’s influence is so pervasive that it may have affected the evolution of human brains, behavior, and even our language.
The study suggests that humans' ability to withstand some of the metal's worst impacts may have contributed to their survival, while the Neanderthals were less fortunate.
Today, lead exposure is often associated with post-industrialized worlds, but this new evidence highlights the long history of human struggle with this poisonous element.
Author's summary: Lead poisoning has affected humans for millions of years, influencing evolution and behavior.