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Studierende sitzt am Arbeitsplatz und schaut auf den Laptop. © Aliona Kardash​/​TU Dortmund

Testing for Arsenic in Old Books Completed

Public library bookshelf with books from behind © connel_design​/​stock.adobe.com
The Library's old book collection was examined for possible arsenic staining - no risk was identified.

Green-colored, potentially toxic book bindings, book cuts or endpapers from the 19th century received a lot of media coverage in spring 2024. On 12.3.24, the University Library announced that it would check its 19th century holdings for possible arsenic contamination.

Dortmund University Library's book collection still includes around 7,000 volumes from the 19th century, of which 6,000 volumes have been moved to external storage magazines since summer 2023 for the construction period of the new library building. These volumes will not be issued at all in case of suspicion (green coloration).

The remaining 1,000 volumes are in open access areas. The head of the Archives and Collections Section has inspected these volumes and found no more than a dozen suspicious books in which arsenic may have been used.

Anyone who handles the old books with care has nothing to fear. There is only a danger if, for example, fingers are moistened with the tongue when turning the pages of a book, if dust is inhaled or if arsenic gets into the eyes when touching the volumes.

Other "fashionable colors" of the 19th century, e.g. Prussian blue or some red dyes, could theoretically also contain hazardous substances. In general, personal responsibility is always required with historical media, as they may also contain lead-containing substances, PCBs or mold, for example.

We recommend

  • the use of gloves and / or face masks for books and magazines from the 19th century (for hygienic reasons, regardless of the green coloring of bindings or book cuts);
  • no leafing through with moistened fingers;
  • washing hands after use and cleaning surfaces if you have come into contact with a work from this period (also regardless of any green discoloration of bindings or book cuts).

Dortmund University Library will issue disposable nitrile gloves and disposable respiratory masks on request.

Dortmund University Library is in close coordination with TU Dortmund University's Occupational, Environmental and Health Protection Department on this topic.

Contact

Dr. Stephanie Marra, Head of Archives and Collections

 

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