It doesn't require overintellectualizing, the exceptions are really obvious, like lead pipes. Generally speaking public health knowledge was extremely low in the pre-industrial era, compared to what we have now, so I don't know why we would use this as a standard. I wouldn't use pre-industrial standards for dealing with sewage or prepping for surgery, either.
Except that we've had time to observe the effects of stuff between then and now. Which is why the I don't think the parent is lobbying for a return to lead pipes.
