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
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.