Oldest evidence of human-derived lead pollution

Pitt researchers discover lead pollution dating back 8,000 years in northernmost region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Such pollution appeared far earlier in North America than in Europe, Asia, and South America, according to Pitt data

June 11, 2013. PITTSBURGH—Humans began contributing to environmental lead pollution as early as 8,000 years ago, according to a University of Pittsburgh research report.

The Pitt research team detected the oldest-discovered remains of human-derived lead pollution in the world in the northernmost region of Michigan, suggesting metal pollution from mining and other human activities appeared far earlier in North America than in Europe, Asia, and South America. Their findings are highlighted on the cover of the latest issue of Environmental Science & Technology.

“Humanity’s environmental legacy spans thousands of years, back to times traditionally associated with hunter-gatherers. Our records indicate that the influence of early Native Americans on the environment can be detected using lake sediments,” said David Pompeani, lead author of the research paper and a PhD candidate in Pitt’s Department of Geology and Planetary Science. “These findings have important implications for interpreting both the archeological record and environmental history of the upper Great Lakes. [...] news.pitt.edu/ / Link 2