Research conducted by students and faculty at Lipscomb University revealed the potential health risks associated with brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era. This study aimed to analyze the presence of dangerous dyes in a collection of vintage books, using innovative techniques to assess the level of toxicity within these historical artifacts. The results of this research were presented at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society, shedding light on the possible dangers posed by these aesthetically pleasing yet hazardous volumes.
The Poison Book Project, initiated by the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, played a significant role in inspiring the study conducted at Lipscomb University. This crowdsourced research effort aimed to identify toxic pigments in 19th-century books around the world, utilizing methods such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy. The discovery of an arsenic compound known as copper acetoarsenite in the fabric book covers of Victorian-era volumes prompted researchers to delve deeper into the presence of harmful substances in these historical texts.
The team at Lipscomb University employed three spectroscopic techniques to assess the toxicity of the vintage books. XRF was utilized to detect the presence of heavy metals like arsenic, while inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to determine the concentration of these metals. Additionally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to identify the pigment molecules containing these toxic substances. Notably, XRD, traditionally used for examining paintings and wallpaper, marked the first instance of its application in detecting poisonous elements in books.
The results of the study revealed the presence of lead and chromium in some of the examined books at alarming levels. Samples taken from the cloth covers indicated high concentrations of these heavy metals, with lead predominating over chromium in most instances. Such findings raised concerns regarding the potential health hazards faced by individuals handling these books, particularly librarians who come into direct contact with them. Chronic exposure to inhaled lead or chromium could have severe consequences, including cancer, lung damage, or fertility issues.
As a response to the findings, the Lipscomb library took immediate steps to protect both its staff and patrons from the dangers of toxic dyes in the vintage books. Colorful 19th-century volumes that had not yet been tested were sealed in plastic zip-close bags for safe handling and storage. Books confirmed to contain hazardous dyes were also secured in bags and removed from public circulation. Moving forward, the researchers plan to contribute their findings to the Poison Book Project, enhancing awareness about the safe handling, conservation, and storage of these historically significant yet potentially dangerous artifacts.
By shedding light on the hidden dangers lurking within these beautifully crafted Victorian-era books, the study conducted at Lipscomb University serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of proactive conservation and preservation efforts. It underscores the need for increased vigilance when handling and storing such vintage volumes, ensuring the safety and well-being of both present and future generations.
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