British scientists analyzed the chemical composition of tooth enamel from remains found in the Peak District region of England. This area is historically known for the mining and processing of lead ore.
The study established that the population during the medieval period in this area accumulated significant amounts of lead starting from early childhood. Furthermore, researchers noted a correlation between an individual's social status and the level of heavy metal accumulation in the remains.
The results of this study were presented in the scientific journal Antiquity.