The researchers found that lead emissions in Europe increased significantly around 15 BCE due to industrial activities from the Roman Empire, leading to cognitive decline.
The study indicates that lead pollution caused by silver mining had a broader social effect, resulting in a decrease of 2-3 IQ points across the Roman population.
This innovative method of using ice core data for tracing past pollution offers a unique lens to explore the historical impacts on human health and intelligence.
Joe McConnell, the study's lead author, notes the excitement over being able to assess pollution levels from 2,000 years ago and its effects on people.
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