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Roman lead pipes impacts on environment and human health

This study analyzed the impact of lead pipe features on the planning and design of the Roman urban water distribution system (WDS), environment and human health. The production of pipes, their dimensions, joint characteristics, and their use in WDS are presented. The effects of pipes on the environment and humans during production, installation, maintenance and disposal are presented, as well as the impact of pipes on water quality in the water supply system and human health. A pressure test of a lead pipe excavated in Roman town Salona (Croatia) was organized, and the results are presented and analyzed in this study. It was determined that pipes can withstand internal water pressures of up to four bars. This pressure was four times higher than the working pressure in the Roman WDS. Such strength of the pipe was necessary due to the load on the pipe that occurs during installation and use in the system. The obtained results indicate that Roman lead pipes are safe, reliable, and provide appropriate leak tightness in Roman water pressure systems. This is the result of the concept of water supply in which water constantly flows through a pipe system, which was applied by the Romans. However, lead has had negative effects on human health and the environment during production and processing and on soil and water during disposal and incorporation in or on the ground. Lead accumulates in soil and water and has a long- term harmful effect on the environment.

Roman lead pipes, Lead pipe pressure test, Water distribution system, Health impacts, Environmental pollution

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