Lead in bone II: skeletal-lead content as an indicator of lifetime lead ingestion and the social correlates in an archaeological population

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981 · Am. J. Phys. Anthropol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.1330550304· OSTI ID:5400048

Aufderheide, A C; Neiman, F D; Wittmers, Jr, L E; Rapp, G

Measurements of skeletal-lead content (by atomic absorption spectroscopy) were made for 16 individuals recovered from a Colonial (1670-1730) plantation cemetery in Virginia. Archaeological and historical evidence allowed the identification of two social groups (plantation proprietors and laborers) within this small population, each with vastly different estimated lifetime lead exposure, reflecting different living conditions. Measured bone-lead levels confirmed these differences. The character of plantation social organization proved a more important determinant of skeletal-lead content in the individuals studied than age, sex or race.

• OSTI ID: 5400048
• Journal Information: Am. J. Phys. Anthropol.; (United States), Vol. 55:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
LEAD
METABOLISM
SKELETON
PHYSIOLOGY
ANTHROPOLOGY
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SPECIMENS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
RURAL POPULATIONS
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
WORKING CONDITIONS
BODY
ELEMENTS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
METALS
ORGANS
POPULATIONS
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)
551000 - Physiological Systems