The Dangers Lurking in Victorian-Era Books: A Closer Look at Poisonous Dyes

When stumbling upon vividly colored books dating back to the Victorian era, one might be inclined to handle them with caution, or even avoid them altogether. The alluring hues of these books, however, may come with a hidden danger – toxic dyes that could potentially pose health risks to readers, collectors, and librarians alike. A recent study conducted by researchers from Lipscomb University shed light on the perils associated with these poisonous books, utilizing innovative techniques to evaluate the presence of harmful dyes in a university collection. The findings, presented at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society, revealed that certain volumes may indeed be unsafe to handle.

Abigail Hoermann, an undergraduate student studying chemistry at Lipscomb University, along with recent graduate Jafer Aljorani, and undergraduate Leila Ais, joined forces with Assistant Chemistry Professor Joseph Weinstein-Webb to embark on a comprehensive investigation into the toxic dyes present in vintage books. The project was initiated after Lipscomb librarians, Jan Cohu and Michaela Rutledge, approached the university’s chemistry department to examine brightly colored 19th and early 20th-century fabric-bound books from the Beaman Library. This collaboration was inspired by the Poison Book Project launched by the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, which highlighted the presence of hazardous compounds in 19th-century books, including arsenic-based pigments like copper acetoarsenite.

The Lipscomb research team employed three spectroscopic techniques in their study, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). While XRF was used to qualitatively assess the presence of arsenic and other heavy metals in the book covers, ICP-OES was utilized to quantify the concentration of these metals. XRD, a technique typically employed in analyzing paintings and wallpaper, was adapted for the first time to detect toxic pigments in books. Collaborating with Janet Macdonald at Vanderbilt University, the researchers identified lead and chromium in some of the samples, with certain book covers exhibiting concentrations above acceptable limits for chronic exposure set by the CDC.

The analysis conducted by the Lipscomb team unveiled alarming levels of lead and chromium in the book covers, surpassing recommended thresholds for chronic exposure. In fact, the concentrations of these heavy metals in some instances exceeded the CDC limits by significant margins, raising concerns about the potential health implications for individuals handling these books. Chronic exposure to inhaled lead or chromium could result in severe health issues, ranging from cancer and lung damage to fertility issues. The researchers are diligently working to identify other lead-based pigments present in the dyes used to color the books, shedding light on the hazardous components lurking within their vibrant covers.

Taking Precautionary Measures

In light of the concerning findings, the Lipscomb library has taken proactive steps to safeguard both staff and patrons by sealing colorful 19th-century books awaiting testing in zip-close plastic bags for safe handling and storage. Books confirmed to contain dangerous dyes have been similarly secured and removed from public circulation. The researchers are committed to contributing their results to the Poison Book Project, helping raise awareness about the importance of safe handling, conservation, and storage practices for these historically significant yet hazardous books. As we unravel the mysteries of the past, it becomes evident that what was once considered safe and enchanting may, in fact, harbor unseen dangers, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage responsibly.