Using cutting-edge 21st century science to reveal secrets of ancient history, WSLH Post-Doctoral Research Associate Sean Scott, along with Martin Shafer, Joel Overdier (WSLH), Phil Farrell (UWSMPH) and international collaborators published research in the journal Archaeometry showing elevated lead levels in Roman residents of ancient Londinium. Testing for the research was performed in the WSLH Trace Elements Clean Lab.
Scott with his fellow researchers looked at lead levels in ancient thigh bones (1st to 3rd century AD) buried in the settlement of Londinium. They found exceedingly high lead levels, which did not come from being buried with lead grave goods or in lead coffins. The potential for negative health effects and even potential population decline due to widespread elevated lead levels could have impacts on our understanding of this ancient Roman community.
The research was written about in:
Chemistry World – https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/londinium-romans-blood-lead-levels-so-high-they-may-have-lowered-birth-rates/4010808.article