Medieval lead mining poisoned children as young as four, Peak District teeth reveal
Social dynamics of toxic metal industry in medieval Europe
Lead production in England's Derbyshire Peak District began by the mid-seventh century, with large-scale smelting contaminating the environment around Castleton by the mid-eighth. By analysing lead concentrations in tooth enamel from 15 burials, researchers date the industry's boom-and-bust cycles and find childhood exposure between ages four and 12, with high lead burdens linked to premature death, especially among women.
The results further shed light on the age and gender dynamics of seventh- to fifteenth-century lead production, reflecting childhood exposure (between the ages of four and 12 years) and suggesting an association between high lead burden and premature death, especially among women.