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History repeats itself (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 months ago by PugJesus@lemmy.world to c/memes@lemmy.world
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[-] PugJesus@lemmy.world 139 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Explanation: The Romans used lead-lined cookware not in ignorance of its dangers, but wholly cognizant of them - the Romans recognized lead poisoning from various sources, and regarded lead as 'unwholesome' to human health.

They used lead widely in many applications that they could be forgiven for thinking were not dangerous - they understood how to prevent lead leaching in pipes, and used lead in writing tablets. Less forgivably, in cosmetics. But most dangerous of all was the use of lead pots in making 'defrutum' - sweet wine ~~jelly~~ syrup, which wealthy Romans loved to put on everything. The thing is, the process uses lead specifically because other materials won't do - copper and iron leave an aftertaste, while lead vessels actually make it sweeter, as lead ~~itself~~ acetate is slightly sweet.

What's a little harmless poison in your condiments, after all?

[-] PierreKanazawa@fedia.io 22 points 2 months ago

TIL Romans knew leads are bad ...

[-] PugJesus@lemmy.world 48 points 2 months ago

Yep!

"Water conducted through earthen pipes is more wholesome than that through lead; indeed that conveyed in lead must be injurious, because from it white lead [PbCO3, lead carbonate] is obtained, and this is said to be injurious to the human system. Hence, if what is generated from it is pernicious, there can be no doubt that itself cannot be a wholesome body. This may be verified by observing the workers in lead, who are of a pallid colour; for in casting lead, the fumes from it fixing on the different members, and daily burning them, destroy the vigour of the blood; water should therefore on no account be conducted in leaden pipes if we are desirous that it should be wholesome."

  • the Roman engineer Vitruvius, in De Architectura, written between 30 BCE-20 BCE
[-] OsrsNeedsF2P@lemmy.ml 20 points 2 months ago

That's honestly just kind of sad. Knowing the problem but ignoring it for the convenience afforded. Human nature at its finest.

[-] bobs_monkey@lemm.ee 19 points 2 months ago

In two thousand years,while we have grown immensely as a species, in some ways we really haven't changed, making this meme painstakingly appropriate.

[-] rottingleaf@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

They didn't live too long. Parasites in garum, parasites in water, epidemics, wars.

The fact that harm from lead they even noticed is remarkable, considering how many other things there were to fear. A very subtle civilization.

[-] BastingChemina@slrpnk.net 5 points 2 months ago

They were also using asbestos and knew it was causing respiratory issues.

They had cloths made of asbestos that they were cleaning by throwing them in a fire. However they knew that slaves in asbestos mine were getting sick because of it

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this post was submitted on 22 Aug 2024
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