New research by a team of experts at Harvard Medical School has debunked the theory that lead poisoning was the primary cause of composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s health issues and death. Beethoven’s exact cause of death, which involved liver and kidney diseases, remains unknown. The study, published in the journal Clinical Chemistry, ruled out the idea that Beethoven was exposed to lethal levels of lead. Throughout his life, Beethoven experienced various health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, hearing loss, and liver and kidney disease. High lead levels have often been associated with these health conditions, as well as Beethoven’s mood swings, absent-mindedness, and clumsiness.
Previous research analyzed a lock of hair believed to belong to Beethoven and found high levels of lead, leading to the assumption that lead poisoning was the cause of his health issues and death. However, further studies revealed that the hair did not belong to Beethoven. In 2023, locks of Beethoven’s hair were confirmed to be authentic, and toxicological analysis conducted by Nader Rifai and his team found significantly high levels of lead in the hair samples. While these elevated lead levels were found, they were not deemed high enough to be the sole cause of Beethoven’s death but may have contributed to his lifelong illnesses.
The research team’s analysis estimated Beethoven’s blood lead concentration to be several times higher than normal levels in adults. Although the study did not definitively prove that lead poisoning caused Beethoven’s death, it sheds light on his medical history, allowing historians, doctors, and scientists to better understand the famous composer’s health issues.