Unveiling the Dark Secrets: The Toxic Legacy Hidden in Our Libraries

The Victorians had a fascination with the color green, especially a bright shade made with copper and arsenic. This color was popular because it was vibrant and didn’t fade easily. Erica Kotze, a conservator at the University of St Andrews, notes, “This color was used for all sorts of items, even toys.”

However, this love for green came with a hidden danger. The pigments, while beautiful, are toxic. Many Victorian book covers used arsenic, mercury, and chrome. As these books survive in libraries today, they pose health risks due to prolonged exposure to arsenic. Low-level poisoning can lead to skin problems, liver and kidney damage, and a risk of anemia.

In recent years, institutions like the University of St Andrews have taken action to address this issue. In 2019, a project in Delaware tested old books for toxicity. Their findings led to the immediate withdrawal of four harmful titles from the National Library of France. Inspired by this, Dr. Pilar Gil at St Andrews sought ways to assess their collection safely.

Dr. Gil collaborated with her colleagues to find a non-invasive testing method. Instead of using X-rays, which could damage delicate books, they borrowed technology from the geology department. A spectrometer, initially used to analyze minerals in rocks, was repurposed to detect the emerald green pigment in books.

"Minerals and pigments are very similar," Dr. Gil explained, recognizing a breakthrough in identifying toxic books. After testing hundreds of volumes, she discovered a pattern that highlighted the hazardous ones.

To improve accessibility, the team also developed an affordable, smaller prototype that could quickly identify arsenic without needing specialized skills. Dr. Graham Bruce, who helped design it, stated, “It shines light on the book and measures the return.”

The urgency to tackle this issue is apparent. With more old books at risk of becoming toxic as they age, identifying these books is crucial. Dr. Jessica Burge, deputy director at St Andrews, emphasizes the importance of maintaining collection access while ensuring safety. “We want people to enjoy these books, but we must take precautions.”

As libraries work to share their findings with others, the importance of safe book handling practices grows. Sadly, many libraries restrict access to 19th-century books with green covers simply because of the uncertainty surrounding their safety. "Restricting access isn’t what libraries should be about," Dr. Burge noted. Libraries aim to bring knowledge to people, and safe practices offer a way forward.

In a world where safety meets history, advancements like these highlight the balance between preserving our past and protecting our present. Understanding the dangers of old books not only safeguards health but also ensures future generations can appreciate these historical treasures without fear.

For more information on safely handling historical books, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidelines on managing exposure to toxic substances.

Source link