Electrochemistry of Lead As the Basis of Adoption of Lead Technologies in History

Abstract

“The goal of the symposium is to draw together the collective interests of scientists and engineers skilled in moving along the path from ideas to profits.” Illustrative of that process at the global level is the use of lead throughout history. The adoption of lead in key technologies is based not only on its ease of corrosion but also on competing political and economic interests. Some of the underlying chemistry and surrounding decision making are of interest and are the subject of this talk. 1) White lead paint and (2) sugar of lead were adopted in the Roman Empire due to the ease of corrosion of lead and continued, in the case of paint, into the 1970s. 3) One theory for the fall of the Roman Empire is due to lead intake, in part, from lead water pipes. This theory will be briefly examined in the context of other lead uses. 4) The politics, science, and, then current understanding of lead health issues, were debated at the time of widespread adoption of lead piping (1850s) as will be explored up and to current politics in Flint and current epicenter of lead pipe issues (Chicago). 5) Lead acid batteries were the leading propulsion choice for vehicles in the 1890s. How money shaped the race between lead acid battery and gasoline powered vehicles is explained. An understanding of these competing interests and alternative technologies may inform challenges of adoption of technology today.