In 1916, Thomas Midgley, Jr -- a young engineer--was tasked with creating a new effective and cheap form of fuel to stop the engine knocking that cars had at the time. After 5 years he would eventually discover what he thought was a perfect solution called Tetraethyl Lead or Ethyl. While this fuel did stop the knocking, it faced a huge problem that ended in the death of millions of people and still plagues the world today.
Lead wasn't seen as a huge threat and many concerns for it were dismissed at the time. It is, however, incredibly toxic at incredibly low levels. It can fuse to bone and is most harmful to the brain. For young children this can lead to permanent delayed learning, decreased IQ, and increased behavioral and mental problems. Many studies have also shown that the rate of increase in crime around the world from the 1950s to the 1990s is shockingly similar to the increase in Lead levels just 20 years earlier. It is not known if these values correlate, but this same pattern can be found in many other countries. Another effect of Lead exposure is a hardening of the arteries, leading to a much higher chance of cardiovascular disease. A study in 2018 states that with all this, Lead was likely responsible for around 250,000 heart disease-related deaths each year in the US alone. Over the past century, the Lead from Midgley's invention had probably been responsible for over 100 million deaths worldwide.
Some might argue that Midgley couldn't have known how much of a problem his invention would bring to the world over a century later and that the increase in crime was the people's choice, so he should not be held responsible. However, Midgley did know of the risks that Ethyl brought, but didn't discuss them or even approve of their existence. He even tried to prove its safety by touching and inhaling it himself. He would later turn down any interviews and public talks he was asked to attend because he would spend most of that time recovering from Lead poisoning himself. He knew firsthand that his product was extremely dangerous, but still decided to not share the risks with the public. Thanks to him millions of people were letting Lead into the atmosphere through their cars. Now modern-day humans carry over 1000 times more Lead in their bodies than our early ancestors.
I believe that Midgley is somewhat accountable as he did know that ethyl was dangerous but still tried to sell it to the public to maximize profit. While most of the increase in crime is probably just due to human choice, I do think that Lead levels must have some effect on it. I think this famous quote by Benjamin Franklin about the dangers of Lead explains this concept pretty well, "You will observe with concern how long a useful truth may be known and exist before it is generally received and practiced on."
Do you think his invention is to blame for the increase in crime and death?
Do you think Midgley should be held acountable for the deaths his invention might have caused?
Did you find this topic interesting and why?
https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2118631119
https://biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/get_the_lead_out/pdfs/health/Needleman_2004.pdf
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/2017GH000064
Replies
Great topic choice and super job Trey! I was not aware of this and alwasy appreciate when I learn new things from students. Thank you!
I think that lead does not have enough impact on the human body to be the only cause of an increase in crime rates, I do think that he should be charged at the very least for false advertising. If not to punish him then at least to set an example that this kind of misleading should never be used again.
I find this topic very interesting. I find this topic very interesting because I had never heard of this or about the person. I find this topic very interesting because Back in the day they did not care about lead poisoning for people, the guy had the right idea, but not the right solution.
I think that he should have been held responsible for the deaths of those people. He knew the effects of the ethyl and he still went forward with his choice. he should have at least been fined and maybe serve a sentance for it. Also, he knew the harm it could cause first hand, but he still went along with it. He was even suffering from lead poisening and still was denying the dangerousness of the product. I find this topic interesting because sometimes even history can be fasinating.
I think he should be held acountable because of all the deaths his invention caused. Even if he didint know about the poisoning he should still be held acountable because he caused the deaths. I dont think his invention lead to more crimes but possibly a higher death rate.
I appreciate your response. However, I stated that he did know of the risks.
In my opinion, the ethyl created by Midgley did lead to poisoning happen with people. However, I doubt that ethyl could cause an increase in the crime rate, and I think that there were probably other causes for it. Even if Midgley didn't know about the poisoning, he should be held accountable for the deaths because he still caused them.
I appreciate your response.However, I think you misunderstood, I said he did know of the risks.
i think he should have been held acountable he is the one that made it have led. i dont think his invention led to more crime maybe a higher death rate but i dont think it would have any effect on crime. this topice was ok i think theres more intresting stuff.
I appreciate your feedback. Not sure what could be more interesting then this, but you have your opinion.
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