ALBAWABA In a startling revelation, scientists have uncovered traces of the toxic chemical arsenic in the covers of over 200 books dating back to the 19th century from various corners of the globe.
This discovery has prompted concerns over potential health hazards associated with handling these seemingly innocuous literary treasures.
The investigation, spearheaded by researchers at the University of Delaware, unveiled alarming levels of arsenic particularly in books featuring distinctive green covers, a common aesthetic choice in the Victorian era.
Titles such as 'The Complete Poetical Works of William Cowper, Esq' (1845), 'The Liberty Bell' (1856), and 'A Winter Wreath of Summer Flowers' (1855) were among those flagged for containing concerning levels of the poisonous compound.
Utilizing X-ray technology, scientists further identified red and yellow covers tainted with mercury and lead respectively, amplifying the scope of the issue beyond arsenic.
The prevalence of these hazardous substances in such culturally significant artifacts has raised red flags among scholars and librarians alike.
Dr. Carl Wilhelm Scheele's 18th-century discovery of arsenic's utility in creating vivid green pigments paved the way for its widespread use in various industries, including publishing.
However, the unstable nature of the compound, prone to deterioration upon exposure to sulfur pollutants, led to subsequent iterations like emerald and Paris green dyes, which boasted greater longevity but retained their toxic properties.
The recent findings have sparked a wave of cautionary measures, with libraries worldwide reevaluating their collections and instituting safeguards against potential exposure.
France's National Library, for instance, swiftly removed four books with emerald green covers following the revelations, subjecting them to rigorous testing before considering their reinstatement.
The health implications of arsenic exposure cannot be understated, with respiratory issues, skin lesions, and cancer among the documented risks associated with prolonged contact.
Moreover, mercury and lead, present in red and yellow covers respectively, pose additional threats, including neurological damage and respiratory problems.
While no documented cases of severe illness stemming from handling these books exist, experts urge vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
Measures such as wearing gloves when handling the books, washing hands thoroughly afterward, and storing them in protective enclosures can mitigate the risks posed by these toxic relics.
