[PattonReincarnated]

The answer to your son’s question lies in a simple history lesson.

The 19th century brought the shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. In this shift, people massed in cities that provided easy access to labor, skills, resources and markets that drove the industrial economy. The influx of people to cities in search of jobs required the creation of large quantities of new housing. The vast majority of this housing was built at the turn of the last century and used lead-based paint. Quite simply, many children growing up in cities grew up eating lead-based paint when they were teething. Additionally, the industries in the urban centers produced toxic waste and pollution. The combination of lead-based paint, toxic waste and pollution lead to a vast proportion of urban populations being brain damaged.

[BunnySlippers]

The combination of lead-based paint, toxic waste and pollution lead to a vast proportion of urban populations being brain damaged.

Oh, brilliant! You realize that one of the largest groups of Freepers is based in California ... the urban areas. I know as I have Freeped with them for years.

Your theory is ignorant and just plain stupid.

[M. Peach]

LOL! You forgot to mention that damned rap music.

[Nowhere Man]

The 19th century brought the shift from an agrarian economy to an industrial economy. In this shift, people massed in cities that provided easy access to labor, skills, resources and markets that drove the industrial economy. The influx of people to cities in search of jobs required the creation of large quantities of new housing. The vast majority of this housing was built at the turn of the last century and used lead-based paint. Quite simply, many children growing up in cities grew up eating lead-based paint when they were teething. Additionally, the industries in the urban centers produced toxic waste and pollution. The combination of lead-based paint, toxic waste and pollution lead to a vast proportion of urban populations being brain damaged.

Hmmm, interesting take. The idea of lead leading to the downfall of Rome has been bandied about, they used lead to make utensils, bowls, and even plumbing. If you take a look at the periodic table of the elements, the symbol for lead is "Pb" meaning "plumbum" (IIRC, I need a Latin scholar here) which is Latin for lead, I learned that in junior high almost 25 years ago. The world "plumber" derives from that since again, lead was used for pipes in Rome and even later eras. Maybe you're on to something.