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From the Age of Earth to the End of Lead: The Dual Legacy of Clair Patterson

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From the Age of Earth to the End of Lead: The Dual Legacy of Clair Patterson

7:00 pm

Event Summary

Dec 16, 2025
7:00 pm

Clair Patterson was an American geochemist who was tasked with the project of using radioactive dating to measure the age of the Earth. The process involved comparing the concentrations of uranium and lead in rock samples, but Patterson quickly discovered that lead severely contaminated his laboratory. This realization began a lifelong crusade to combat environmental lead poisoning by taking on the oil industry and their use of leaded gasoline. This class will overview the work of this often unsung hero.

 

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

 

Tickets:

Non-members - $25/class

Members - $20/class

Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Image credit: California Institute of Technology

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