Abstract: The three dynasties Xia, Shang, and Zhou represent the BronzeAge civilizations in China. It is thought that the use of large amounts of leaded bronze containers and tools during these dynasties must have caused serious lead pollution, even lead poisoning. This paper reports on the content of lead in human skeletal remains from the Heying burial site as measured by an Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometer and other instruments. The results of this study involve a comparison of lead content in the human bones with animal bones, native soil, bronze remnants from the same site and human bones dating to different time periods. The change in the content of lead in the human bones is also discussed in terms of relevant social problems.

Key words: Bronze ware; Lead; Bone; Heying