Toxic Chemicals Found on old books

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the detection of toxic chemicals in old books, specifically through the Lipscomb book project which utilized three spectroscopic techniques: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for qualitative analysis of heavy metals, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for quantitative concentration measurement, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for pigment identification. This marks the first application of XRD in assessing toxicity in books, conducted in collaboration with Janet Macdonald from Vanderbilt University. The implications of these findings are significant for librarians, researchers, and handlers of historical texts, particularly in light of recent legislation like REACh 2007 and initiatives such as DETOX 2011 aimed at reducing hazardous materials.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques
  • Knowledge of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
  • Familiarity with X-ray diffraction (XRD) applications
  • Awareness of REACh 2007 regulations and their impact on hazardous materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of X-ray diffraction (XRD) in material safety assessments
  • Explore the implications of REACh 2007 on historical preservation practices
  • Investigate best practices for handling and preserving rare books
  • Learn about the DETOX 2011 initiative and its relevance to chemical safety in libraries
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for librarians, archivists, researchers, and conservators involved in the preservation of historical texts, as well as anyone interested in the safety implications of handling old books containing potentially toxic materials.

pinball1970
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TL;DR
The American Chemical Society report that dangerous chemicals have been isolated from books room 19th and early 20th century.
From the article in phys org. today.

https://phys.org/news/2024-08-evidence-stacks-poisonous-toxic-dyes.html

"The Lipscomb book project, the team used three spectroscopic techniques:

XRF to qualitatively check whether arsenic or other heavy metals were present in any of the book covers.
Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to determine the concentration of those metals.
X-ray diffraction (XRD) to identify the pigment molecules that contain those metals.
Although XRD has been previously used to examine paintings and wallpaper, this is the first time it has been used to check for poison in books, Ais says. The XRD testing is being done in collaboration with Janet Macdonald at Vanderbilt University."

This piqued my interest because industry has been cleaning up regarding dangerous chemistry with fairly recent legislation like REACh 2007 https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach and NGOs with things like DETOX 2011
https://www.greenpeace.org/international/publication/17612/destination-zero/

So items that are already out there but have historical value like old, rare and valuable books, pose a problem.

Especially to handlers, researchers and Librarians.

John Rylands Library established 1900, Portico 1806 and Chetham's library 1653 will have a few candidates I would have thought, that is just Manchester!
 
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Is ythios really a problem? How many people lick old books?
 
Vanadium 50 said:
Is ythios really a problem? How many people lick old books?
Not many if you discount you discount licking your finger to turn a page...

It is moving these things around that is the problem. Central library moved most of its books while they did regeneration works.

Also trying to clean them, read them involves handling them and releasing particles.
Probably not so much for me walking through, taking a few images but possibly for a worker who spends 40 hours a week with them.
 
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