The Hidden Toxins in Your Library: How New Tech is Uncovering a Legacy of Poisonous Books
Imagine holding a centuries-old book, its pages filled with knowledge and history. Now imagine that book is subtly poisoning you. It sounds like a plot from Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, but the reality is surprisingly close. Scientists are now equipped with a portable tool to detect arsenic in book bindings – a legacy of 19th-century dyes that continues to pose a hidden health risk to librarians, researchers, and even avid readers.
For decades, institutions have been aware of the potential danger. Last year alone, Bielefeld University in Germany isolated 60,000 books as a precaution. But testing was a laborious, expensive process, often leading to entire collections being restricted. The University of St Andrews has changed that, developing a handheld device that can identify the presence of toxic emerald green pigment in seconds.
The Allure – and Danger – of Emerald Green
The story begins with a desire for vibrancy. In the 19th century, as book production exploded, publishers sought ways to make their offerings stand out. Leather bindings were expensive, so cloth became the norm. To attract customers, these cloth covers were often dyed in bright, eye-catching colours. Enter emerald green, created using copper arsenite. This pigment delivered a stunning, vivid hue, but at a terrible cost.
“They degraded easily, releasing poisonous and carcinogenic arsenic,” explains Mark Lorch, professor of public engagement and science communication at the University of Hull. Historical accounts are chilling: reports of green candles poisoning children, factory workers suffering convulsions from handling arsenic-based paints, and warnings about poisonous ball dresses. The risks weren’t limited to books; arsenic-laced dyes permeated everyday life.
How the New Detection Tool Works
The breakthrough at St Andrews wasn’t about inventing something entirely new, but brilliantly adapting existing technology. Dr. Graham Bruce and Dr. Morgan Facchin, from the university’s physics department, repurposed a device originally used to detect minerals in rocks.
“It shines different colours of light onto the book, and analyses how much is reflected to provide a ‘fingerprint’ of pigments,” explains Dr. Bruce. “It is handheld and allows us to screen an individual book for the presence of emerald green pigment in a fraction of a second.” This speed and portability are game-changers, allowing libraries to quickly assess their collections and prioritize resources.
Beyond Books: The Wider Implications of Historic Toxins
The problem isn’t confined to books. Historic wallpaper and textiles coloured with emerald green also contain arsenic. This means museums, historic homes, and even private collectors need to be aware of potential hazards. The St Andrews team’s technology could be adapted to analyze these materials as well, offering a broader solution to a widespread problem.
Arsenic detection is becoming increasingly important as awareness grows and more institutions begin to proactively assess their collections. The ability to quickly and accurately identify hazardous materials is crucial for protecting staff, researchers, and the public.
The Future of Heritage Preservation
The development of this portable arsenic detector signals a shift towards more proactive and accessible heritage preservation. Here’s what we can expect to see in the coming years:
- Wider Adoption of the Technology: The St Andrews tool is already being used across Scotland, and demand is likely to grow internationally.
- Development of Similar Tools: This success will likely spur research into detecting other hazardous materials in historical artifacts.
- Increased Public Awareness: As more institutions identify and address these risks, public awareness will increase, leading to greater demand for safe access to historical collections.
- Digital Preservation as a Safeguard: While physical preservation remains vital, increased digitization of at-risk materials will provide access to content without the risk of exposure.
The discovery of arsenic in historical materials isn’t just a scientific curiosity; it’s a reminder that the past can have a tangible impact on the present. The St Andrews team’s innovation offers a powerful tool for mitigating those risks and ensuring that our cultural heritage remains accessible – and safe – for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How dangerous are these arsenic-containing books?
A: The risk of acute poisoning is low, but frequent handling can lead to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and potentially more serious health effects over time.
Q: What should libraries do with books identified as containing arsenic?
A: Libraries are implementing various strategies, including restricting access, requiring gloves for handling, and prioritizing digitization.
Q: Is this a problem limited to books?
A: No, arsenic-based pigments were used in a variety of materials, including wallpaper, textiles, and even children’s toys.
Q: Where can I learn more about this issue?
A: You can explore the exhibition “Poisonous Books, Dangers from the Past” at the Wardlaw Museum in St Andrews. See also our guide on preserving antique books.
What steps will your institution take to address this hidden threat? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
