Environmental and Public Health Problems

Some historians believe that the fall of the Roman Empire was due in part to environmental and public health problems. They claim the leaders of Rome were killed off by consuming excessive amounts of lead.  Some argue that since only the wealthy could afford to have lead pipes bring water into their homes and cook with lead utensils, their death rate was increased considerably. This theory, however, is challenged by those who point out the fact that the eastern part of the Empire survived long after the decline of the Western portion. (Ten reasons for the fall of Rome packet)