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Lead

Gray, soft heavy metals or element (Pb = Plumbum), which occurs in nature mostly as galena. It is present in all plants in trace amounts, but has no Biology function and is dangerous as a neurotoxin. Lead can lead to developmental neurotoxic substances (harmful alteration of the structure or function of the nervous system) in young children as well as to cardiovascular problems (diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and nonspecific weaknesses of the cardiovascular system) and nephrotoxicity (kidney damage).

Lead in Antiquity

In Antiquity Rome, lead was used for sweetening and preservation wine and was fatally recommended by Pliny the Elder (23-79). Preparing food and cooking wine in lead vessels was common; for example, grape syrup Defrutum was produced. The idea that the Romans slowly poisoned themselves and that lead was ultimately the reason for the fall of the Roman Empire is, however, only an unproven hypothesis. The image shows a lead-glazed ceramic bottle from Syria in the shape of a grape from the 1st century AD.

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Roman Horvath MW

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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)

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