A new study published in Science Advances shows that the Industrial Revolution had uneven health effects in England. Researchers from the University of Miami, Ohio State University, Michigan State University and the Smithsonian Institution examined skeletal remains from 94 people from two 18th–19th century towns: industrial South Shields and rural Barton-upon-Humber.
They sampled long bones, mainly femora, and measured arsenic, barium and lead in bone. The results show that pollution exposure did not follow a simple city-versus-country pattern. Instead, exposure depended on local industry, social context and individual identity. In South Shields, females had higher arsenic and barium than males in their town and than females from Barton-upon-Humber.
Difficult words
- uneven — not equal or the same in different places
- skeletal — related to bones of a body
- examine — to look at closely or studyexamined
- exposure — contact with something harmful or damaging
- pollution — dirty or harmful substances in the environment
- femur — thigh bone in the human bodyfemora
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Why might local industry change pollution exposure in a town?
- Why do you think females in one town had higher arsenic and barium than others?
- Would you prefer to live in an industrial town or a rural town? Why?
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