Lead has been poisoning humans for over 2 million years

The toxic metal may have rewired early human brains--and sealed the Neanderthals' fate. Lead exposure may have negatively affected Neanderthal abilities for language and speech development. Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Today, lead exposure directly correlates to a post-industrialized world. However, new evidence indicates that exposure to the poisonous element is not necessarily a new issue.