Identifying Dangerous Literature
The University of St Andrews has developed an innovative tool designed to help identify books that may pose health risks due to their historical use of toxic materials. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on the harmful substances once used in the production of books, such as arsenic, which was often combined with copper to create vibrant green covers. Unfortunately, these materials can cause irritation for today’s readers.
This tool not only raises awareness about the dangers of historical book production methods, but also encourages readers to take precautions when handling older books. The research highlights the importance of understanding the materials used in literature and their potential impact on health.
