Lead in Archeological Human Bones Reflecting Historical Changes in Lead Production

Abstract

Forty years ago, in a seminal paper published in Science, Settle and Patterson used archeological and historical data to estimate the rates of worldwide lead production since the discovery of cupellation, approximately 5000 years ago. Here, we record actual lead exposure of a human population by direct measurements of the concentrations of lead in petrous bones of individuals representing approximately 12 000 years of inhabitation in Italy. This documentation of lead pollution throughout human history indicates that, remarkably, much of the estimated dynamics in lead production is replicated in human exposure. Thus, lead pollution in humans has closely followed anthropogenic lead production. This observation raises concerns that the forecasted increase in the production of lead and other metals might affect human health in the near future.

Exploring the Formation Kinetics of Octacalcium Phosphate from Alpha-Tricalcium Phosphate: Synthesis Scale-Up, Determination of Transient Phases, Their Morphology and Biocompatibility

“…Many synthetic bone substitutes have been developed, but the limitation of the natural material, with its complex and non-stoichiometric calcium phosphate apatite structure, means they are still far out of reach from achieving the optimum goal. The main reasons being that the natural material contains many substitutes for calcium and phosphate ions and a great number of heterogeneities corresponding to the type of bone can influence it (trabecular or compact [ 2 ], biological diversity, remodelling rate, living style, etc [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]). However, the formation of non-stoichiometric apatites has emerged as a potential solution.…”

Paper-based plasmonic nanosensor monitors environmental lead pollution in real field

“…In adults, it causes heart disease, blood pressure problems, neurological disorders, etc. 11 Exposure to lead in water, air and in foodstuffs can occur through sources such as crushing, mining of ores, recycled materials such as lead-based pipes, batteries, paints, cosmetics, and also as a petrol additive. [12][13][14] Of greater concern is the emission of lead to the air in the form of fine aerosol particulates, which can travel very great distances from their origin.…”