Michael A. Terrell wrote:

jakdedert wrote:

Actually, it's been posited that the use of lead plumbing was one of the
causes of the decline of the Roman Empire. That's just a story I've
heard, and upon what I based my opinion. The truth of it, and the
chemical reaction involved is beyond my experience.

jak



It wasn't lead pipes, it was 'Lead Acetate', a toxic sweetener made
from lead:

snip

Wasn't there also a problem with lead-based face makeup both in Rome and
also until modern times?

Michael