Romans used a system of lead pipes for their plumbing. The word "plumbing" actually comes from the Latin word "plumbum," which means lead. While the use of lead pipes helped distribute water throughout the empire, it is now known that lead can be harmful to health. Some historians speculate that lead poisoning from the water supply may have contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Empire was known for its advanced engineering, and the Romans were pioneers in the development of an extensive aqueduct system to supply water to cities. These aqueducts transported fresh water from distant sources to urban centers, improving public health and sanitation.

In addition to the aqueducts, the Romans used lead pipes, called "fistulae," to distribute water within the cities. Lead was a readily available material and was easy to work with, making it a popular choice for plumbing. However, it's now understood that prolonged exposure to lead can have severe health consequences, particularly neurological and developmental issues.

The use of lead pipes in ancient Rome has been linked to potential lead poisoning. The acidity of the water, combined with the long contact time as it flowed through the pipes, could have led to the leaching of lead into the water supply. Some historians and scientists have suggested that chronic lead poisoning may have contributed to a decline in the population's overall health and could have been a factor in the fall of the Roman Empire. However, it's important to note that while lead exposure likely had some negative health effects, it's unlikely to have been the sole cause of the empire's decline, as it faced a multitude of complex social, economic, and political challenges.