Toxic chemicals that can cause brain damage found in books | Strange news

Scientists warn of toxic substances in old books.

Toxic dyes have been found in books over 100 years old.

According to new research, they contain lead and chromium levels up to six times higher than the permitted maximum.

People are advised to “handle” colorful, cloth-bound Victorian-era books with caution, or even avoid them altogether.

The dyes used to make the eye-catching covers could pose serious health risks to readers, collectors and librarians, scientists say. High levels of lead can cause brain and nervous system damage and lead to coma and even death.

Many books have now been removed from library shelves, while others, dating back to the 19th century and yet to be tested, have been sealed in zip-lock plastic bags for handling and storage.

“These old books with toxic dyes could be in universities, public libraries and private collections,” said study co-author Abigail Hoermann of Lipscomb University in Nashville.

“Users may be at risk if pigments from the fabric covers get on their hands or become airborne and are inhaled.”

“That’s why we want to find a way to make it easy for everyone to find out what contact they have with these books and how they can keep them safe.”

Chemistry student Ms. Hoermann conducted the tests with Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dr. Joseph Weinstein-Webb, her fellow student Leila Ais, and recent graduate Jafer Aljorani.

The team used three techniques – including one that had not been used on books before – to test the university's book collection for dangerous dyes and found that some volumes may not be safe to handle.

The metal concentrations in some book covers were above the permissible legal limits for chronic exposure.

In the dissolved sample from the most contaminated cover, the lead concentration was more than twice the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) limit, while the chromium concentration was almost six times higher.

Chronic exposure to inhaled lead or chromium can lead to health problems such as cancer, lung damage or fertility problems.

Dr Weinstein-Webb said: “I find it fascinating to learn what previous generations thought was safe, and then we learn that it may not have actually been such a good idea to use these brilliant dyes.”

Books that were proven to contain dangerous dyes were also sealed in bags and withdrawn from public circulation.

Ms Hörmann added: “We want libraries to be able to test their collections in the future without destroying them.”

The researchers presented their results at a meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Denver, Colorado.

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