Study Shows that Antimony in Water Pipes Poisoned Ancient Romans

This brick building was where the water from the Serinum Aquaduct was distributed to different parts of Pompeii.
It is located near the Herculaneum Gate and was prominently featured at the end of the novel Pompeii by Robert Harris.

A Roman water pipe fragment from Pompeii has been analyzed by researchers at the University of Southern Denmark and the findings show high concentrations of antimony. While it is assumed that the Roman's use of lead pipes poisoned them, the pipes quickly calcified preventing lead from leaching into the water. However, antimony was also used along with lead in the water pipes. Compounding the problem, antimony is also an item naturally found in volcanic areas. It is acutely toxic. Poisoning symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and, if severe, kidney and liver problems. 

For more information go to Antimony Found in Pompeii Pipe.