Researchers at Lipscomb University have been studying brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era to determine whether the dyes used in these books could pose a health risk to readers, collectors, or librarians. The latest research utilized three techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to assess dangerous dyes in a university collection. Some volumes were found to be unsafe to handle due to high levels of lead and chromium present in the book covers.
The study was initiated after Lipscomb librarians approached the university’s chemistry department to test brilliantly colored 19th and early 20th-century fabric-covered books from the Beaman Library. The Poison Book Project was launched to identify toxic pigments in books, particularly the presence of an arsenic compound known as copper acetoarsenite used in Victorian-era wallpaper and cloth book covers. The researchers at Lipscomb used XRF to qualitatively check for arsenic or other heavy metals, ICP-OES to determine metal concentrations, and XRD to identify pigment molecules containing these metals.
Results from the XRF data showed the presence of lead and chromium in some of the Lipscomb books, with high levels of these heavy metals in certain samples. Lead(II) chromate, a compound found in chrome yellow pigment, was identified, although there was more lead than chromium in the book covers. The researchers are working to identify other lead-based pigments present in the dyes used to color the books that lack chromium. Concentrations of heavy metals in some book covers were found to exceed acceptable limits for chronic exposure, posing potential health risks to librarians handling the books.
In response to the findings, the Lipscomb library has sealed 19th-century books containing dangerous dyes in plastic zip-close bags for handling and storage. Books confirmed to contain toxic pigments have been removed from public circulation to ensure the safety of library staff and visitors. The researchers plan to contribute their results to the Poison Book Project and raise awareness about safe handling, conservation, and storage of these books among librarians and collectors. They also advocate for the use of XRD in testing collections without the need to cut samples from books, preserving them for future generations.
Overall, the research conducted at Lipscomb University highlights the potential health risks associated with handling brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era due to toxic dyes used in their production. By utilizing advanced spectroscopic techniques, the researchers were able to identify heavy metal concentrations in the book covers and take necessary steps to protect library staff and visitors from exposure. This study contributes valuable insights to the conservation and preservation of historic books and emphasizes the importance of safe handling practices in libraries and collections.