Lead found in Beethoven’s hair reveals new insight into his ailing health
By 
Julia Robinson2024-05-13T08:34:00
Kidney and liver problems that killed the composer, as well as hearing loss, are associated with high lead levels
High concentrations of lead in two locks of hair from Ludwig van Beethoven suggest that exposure to the compound – through plumbed wine, diet and medical treatments – may have contributed to the ailments that plagued him for most of his life.