More or Less: Behind the Stats Did tea-drinking cut deaths in the Industrial Revolution?
Apr 9, 2022
Could a surge in tea-drinking have led to fewer deaths in 18th century England? An economist uncovers fascinating data linking tea shipments to improved public health. The reduction in tea tariffs allowed more people access to boiling water, which inadvertently enhanced hygiene. Analyzing mortality rates reveals how tea's popularity intersected with water quality issues, painting a surprising picture of health improvements during the Industrial Revolution. Discover how a simple drink might have shaped public health in unexpected ways!
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Boiled Water Epiphany
- Francisca Antman, an American economist, questioned whether to boil water for her baby in the US.
- This sparked her research on the impact of tea drinking and boiling water on mortality rates in 18th-century England.
Mortality Decline and Tea
- During the Industrial Revolution, England saw a decline in mortality rates despite worsening sanitation.
- This coincided with the rise of tea drinking, suggesting a potential link between boiled water and improved public health.
The Tea and Windows Act
- The 1784 Tea and Windows Act significantly reduced tea tariffs, making tea accessible to a wider population.
- This provides a natural experiment to study the impact of tea consumption on mortality rates.