Lead has been known to be a poison for many centuries. In fact, there is evidence that it contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire. There is no doubt that in the second century BC Rome’s wealthy ruling class suffered from a disproportionately high level of stillbirths, sterility and brain damage. And a high lead content has been found in the bones of such ancient Romans. One widely supported hypothesis is that the cause of both facts was lead poisoning from leaden wine-cups and plates which only the rich could afford. (Williams 1982, p. 83).