Victorian-Era Books Found to Contain Toxic Dyes

New research reveals hazardous substances in antique book covers, posing health risks to handlers.

Lipscomb University researchers identified high levels of lead and chromium in 19th-century book covers.
The Poison Book Project has found toxic dyes in 50% of Victorian cloth-bound books tested so far.
Books with emerald green and chrome yellow dyes are particularly dangerous due to friable pigments.
Libraries and collectors advised to seal and isolate potentially toxic books to prevent exposure.
New testing methods aim to safely identify toxic pigments without damaging the books.