title: Possible toxic metal exposure of prehistoric bronze workers.
abstract: An attempt has been made to assess the possible occupational exposure to arsenic, lead, and mercury during the Bronze Age. Archaeological, metallurgical, and historical evidence is combined to form a picture of the potential toxic hazards. In the case of arsenic a definite picture emerges of the effect of toxicity as a useful material is abandoned for health reasons on discovery of an acceptable alternative.
authors.affiliation: TUC Centenary Institute of Occupational Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Harper
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys / Q000009:adverse effects; D001106:Archaeology; D001151:Arsenic / Q000009:adverse effects; D003300:Copper / Q000009:adverse effects; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007854:Lead / Q000009:adverse effects; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects; D008669:Metallurgy / Q000266:history*; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D008670:Metals; D007854:Lead; D003300:Copper; D008628:Mercury; D001151:Arsenic