How Lead Exposure Could Have Boosted Ancient Humans’ Advantage Over Neanderthals

Lead is often seen as a modern danger, but new research shows it’s been a problem for almost 2 million years. Surprisingly, exposure to lead might have even helped our ancestors thrive.

Researchers studied the lead levels in 51 fossilized hominid teeth, dating as far back as 1.8 million years. They looked at samples from Homo sapiens, Neanderthals, and other early human species, including relatives like Australopithecus and Paranthropus.

The study found episodic lead exposure in 73% of the specimens analyzed. This indicates that ancient humans frequently encountered lead through natural sources such as volcanic activity and wildfires—contrary to the common belief that lead issues began with industrial activities.

The risks of lead are well known today. It’s linked to serious health problems, including brain disorders and heart disease. Certain studies suggest lead exposure may have even contributed to lower IQ levels and rising crime rates in more recent generations.

Alysson Muotri, a developmental biologist at UC San Diego, explains that our genetic makeup may have adapted to counteract some effects of lead. In lab tests, mini-brains with a modern gene variant showed less damage than those with an ancient variant found in Neanderthals. This suggests our genes may have evolved to better handle lead’s toxic effects, possibly giving us an edge in survival and communication.

Furthermore, researchers discovered varying lead exposure among species. For instance, Paranthropus robustus showed low lead levels, while other species exhibited more frequent exposure. This variation highlights how diet and environmental factors influenced lead accumulation throughout different hominid species.

The complexity of lead’s role in human history poses intriguing questions. While the findings do not definitively link lead exposure to our evolutionary success, they offer a fascinating perspective on how our ancestors adapted to their environments.

This research adds to our understanding of the long-standing relationship between lead and human health. For a deeper dive into lead pollution and its history, check out this report by the [United Nations Environment Programme](https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/inside-20-year-campaign-rid-world-leaded-fuel).

As our understanding of lead’s impact continues to grow, we recognize its dual nature—both a challenge and a potential catalyst for human advancement.

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