Research suggests a massive expansion of mining & the processing of metal ores caused airborne lead pollution to soar during the peak of the Roman empire, leading to an estimated 2-3 point drop in IQ.
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https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/06/roman-empires-use-of-lead-lowered-iq-levels-across-europe-study-finds?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
π§ͺπ§ #neuroskyence
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/06/roman-empires-use-of-lead-lowered-iq-levels-across-europe-study-finds?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetraethyllead
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2118631119
Pan-European atmospheric lead pollution, enhanced blood lead levels, and cognitive decline from Roman-era mining and smelting.
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2419630121
See the following for example: https://international-iq-test.com/en/test/IQ_by_country