If books could kill: The poison legacy lurking in libraries

During the Victorian era, the color green was extremely popular, especially a vivid shade known as emerald green. This color was created by mixing copper with arsenic, a toxic element. People used this bright green on many household items, including wallpaper, toys, and notably, book covers. The reason for its popularity was its vibrant look and its ability to resist fading over time. However, the use of arsenic in these products has caused health concerns that persist even today.

Victorian bookbinders often used arsenic, along with mercury and chrome, to produce striking green covers for books. Unlike many household items that have worn away, these books have survived in libraries and archives worldwide. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to these arsenic-laden books can lead to low-level poisoning. This poisoning can cause skin changes, damage to vital organs like the liver and kidneys, and reduce blood cells, which increases the risk of anemia and infections.

To address this problem, experts at the University of St Andrews developed a method to test old books for toxic substances. They used a spectrometer, a device that measures light wavelengths, to detect the presence of arsenic in book covers. This non-destructive testing method allowed them to identify dangerous books without damaging them. Inspired by this success, they created a smaller, more affordable device that can be used by other libraries and museums to safely check their collections. This innovation helps protect people while preserving access to these historical books.