Lead Paint: Paint of Deception Photo В© Getty Images The impact of these exposures extended beyond those working with lead, manifesting among other family members and children. Symptoms of lead poisoning were especially pronounced among lead miners and smelters. Even the Romans documented lead poisoning (i.e., Plumbism), noting it caused paralysis, madness, gout, colic, and death. The use of lead throughout the world came with devastating health consequences. Unfortunately, both lead-based paint and TEL gasoline would become an American staple for years to come. Tetraethyl lead (TEL) gasoline, to improve engine performance.Paint, to enhance durability and appearance, and.Within the U.S., lead was used in several ways. became the worldвЂ™s leading producer and consumer of lead. Industries used lead just about any way they could, and by the twentieth century the U.S. In the U.S., lead mining began in Virginia in 1621 and from there the lead business boomed. Photo В© Getty Images Lead Use in the U.S. Ancient Romans were in contact with lead constantly, in one way or another. Sapa, made by boiling grape juice in lead pots, was used to sweeten food and preserve wine. Perhaps the most shocking, lead was used as a sweetener called sapa. The chemical symbol for lead (Pb) was derived from the Latin word вЂњplumbumвЂќ.Дue to its many qualities, lead was used in many products, including construction material, pottery glaze, glass, cookware, utensils, cosmetics, coins, and weapons.

In fact, the English word вЂњplumbingвЂќ came from the RomansвЂ™ use of lead to build water pipes for their municipal infrastructure. It was in such high demand, the Roman Empire began massive lead mining operations.

Its durable, malleable, and corrosion resistance properties made this metal invaluable. Lead Seemed to be Everywhere Photo В© Getty ImagesДЇrom ancient civilizations to the mid-20 th century, lead seemed to be a gift from the gods.

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