This decision comes after the discovery of traces of arsenic on the covers of these books dating from the 19th century. For the moment, the risk for readers is considered very moderate, but the first analyzes highlight questions about the unsuspected risks of heritage collections and the history that can be hidden between their pages…
Old books with toxic composition: origin and use of “Paris green”
The BNF faces an unexpected challenge: the presence of arsenic on some of its historic works. These books, dating from the 19th century, were decorated with what is called “Paris green” or “Schweinfurt green”a dye containing arsenic.
“Paris green” was prized for its bright color and its use in decorating book covers in the 19th century. However, this color hid an invisible danger: the presence of arsenic. Mainly used in English-speaking countries and Germany, this pigment was rarely used in France.
What books are poisoned with arsenic at the BNF?
The BNF works presenting arsenic share a colors, but vary in theme, author and nationality, ranging from a bilingual anthology of Romanian poetry by Henry Stanley dating from 1856, to a collection of the works of the British Royal Horticultural Society from 1862, including two volumes of collected Irish ballads by Edward Hayes dated 1855.
The genesis of an alert: “Poisoned Books Project”
The alert was raised by academics in the late 2010s, when they discovered the presence of arsenic on the covers of old books. An international research program, the “Poisoned Books Project” (Poison Book Project), was launched to identify and list the works concerned. The results of this program led to the quarantine of four works at the BNF.
Book quarantine: precautionary measures and in-depth analyzes
Although the risk of poisoning is considered very moderate, the BNF has taken measures to assess the risk and protect users. The four structures identified have been placed in quarantine and will be subjected to in-depth analyzes to determine the quantity of arsenic present.
No cases of poisoning, the symptoms of which include feeling unwell and vomiting, have been reported in recent years, but the Library remains vigilant about the safety of its public.
Currently, German public libraries are also conducting an extensive survey to identify books containing arsenic, but the results are not yet known. By studying the materials used in the manufacture of ancient books, researchers can better understand the risks associated with their preservation.
