This version updated 6th March 26 by Mike Collins.
In 19th century Sheffield, the water supply came from a number of reservoirs including those at Redmires. These were built in the 1830s. Cast iron supply pipes were laid in the streets and lead pipes connected these to the houses. Lead-lined cisterns were found in some houses.
Sinclair White, the Sheffield MOH, in 1886, drew the authorities’ attention to the fact that lead poisoning was more prevalent among those living in houses supplied by Redmires water (i.e. those in Broomhill, Broomhall, Sharrow and Heeley) than those supplied from Strines, Agden, Dale Dike Reservoirs (Penistone Road, Wicker and Brightside). Sinclair White advised people not to drink water that had been standing in lead pipes and cisterns but to flush the tap before drinking the water. Redmires water was acidic and he advised that it should be brought into contact with limestone to reduce the acidity which was dissolving the lead pipes. Delays occurred in the implementation of this advice due to disagreement, personalities and vested interests. Opposition came mainly from the Chief Engineer at the Water Board. A change of MOH also contributed to the delay.
An enquiry was established by the Corporation in 1890 and heard by three external experts. Sinclair White presented the evidence in support of his opinion. This was opposed by Mr Eaton, the Chief Engineer at the Water Board who contended that the problem was due to the absence of silica in the water. He recommended the addition of silicates. He also suggested that the introduction of cheap lead from Spain contributed to the problem. The outcome of the enquiry was that the residents using Redmires water were liable to poisoning and that calcium carbonate, in the form of chalk, be added to the reservoir water at Redmires. It was estimated that the delay in implementation of the MOH recommendations in 1886 resulted in 169 patients developing lead poisoning that should have been avoided.
In 2014/15, the city authorities in Flint, Michigan decided to save money by switching to the water from the local River Flint instead of a more expensive supply from Detroit. Lead pipes were in use for the domestic water supply in the city as in Sheffield. The Flint River water was contaminated and this led to lead poisoning and also deaths from Legionnaires disease. It was estimated that 10,000 children were put at risk of lead poisoning. The city reverted to water supply from Detroit after pressure was applied both locally and nationally. Further, phosphates were added to the water to make it safer.
The effects of lead poisoning include: blindness, kidney failure, wrist-drop, miscarriages, abdominal pain and constipation. The gums took on a blue line, and this was found in the majority of people who suffered from lead poisoning supplied by Redmires water in the 1880s.
Another source of lead poisoning was in cider and wine making, lead being added as a sweetener. Lead used in glazing was another source. Lead in paint was a known hazard. It was well known that toddlers chewed paint off lead-painted cots, leading to lead poisoning. Lead has been eliminated from paint.
In the early 20th century, pills containing lead were advertised for women anxious to bring about miscarriage. Adverts in newspapers were used to encourage the sale of these pills that could be obtained through mail order. Instances of lead poisoning related to these pills were recorded in Sheffield. Diachylon was substance used to produce homemade plasters. Heavy concentrations of lead were present in diachylon. Plasters were freely available from chemist shops and some women swallowed large amounts to bring about a miscarriage. Unfortunately, many women suffered from lead poisoning as a result.
Exposure to lead in industries in Sheffield such as file cutting and smelting was another well-known hazard and added to the delays in pinpointing the Redmires water as the source of lead poisoning.
Fortunately, lead poisoning is very uncommon in the UK now. However, it is estimated that 300,000 people around the world die from lead poisoning each year.
The talk was very well received and many questions put to the speaker who was thanked for his interesting presentation.