B.C. Lead discovered in Turkey. B.C. Greeks note effects of lead poisoning. The Roman Empire declines.
Some historians speculate that lead from water pipes, wine vats and cooking utensils contributed.
1887 U.S. doctors first diagnose childhood lead poisoning. 1909 France, Belgium and Austria ban interior lead paint. A General Motors employee discovers that adding tetraethyl lead to gasoline eliminates engine knock and allows for faster automobiles. The Third International Labor Conference of the League of Nations recommends banning interior lead paint, but U.S. declines. 1923 Leaded gasoline goes on the market.