New Era for Book Safety!

The University of St Andrews has unveiled an innovative tool that can swiftly identify books that pose health risks to humans. This groundbreaking device is a game-changer for libraries and book lovers alike!

The Hidden Dangers of Emerald Green!

For centuries, publishers have used arsenic mixed with copper to achieve a vibrant emerald green hue for book covers. Although the health risk has been deemed "low," repeated exposure to these toxic books can lead to serious health issues, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, along with potentially severe side effects. The pigment can flake off, becoming airborne and easily inhaled.

Libraries Take Precaution!

In light of these risks, many libraries have opted to restrict access to green books altogether. Last year, the University of Bielefeld, along with several German universities, isolated a staggering 60,000 potentially hazardous volumes to safeguard their patrons.

A Handy Solution!

Thanks to the ingenuity of researchers at St Andrews, detecting these toxic pigments is now quick and inexpensive. Pilar Gil, the lead researcher, stated, "The Eureka moment came when we discovered the unique reflectance pattern of the emerald green pigment in the visible spectrum. We realized we could adapt existing technology to create a tool for widespread use in the library sector."

Innovative Technology at Work!

Two physicists from the university, Graham Bruce and Morgan Facchin, spearheaded the development of a portable device that illuminates books with different colors of light. Facchin explained, "The reflected light serves as a fingerprint of the pigment, allowing us to recognize the unique signature of emerald green on books. Our extensive testing in the university's collections enabled us to accurately identify this hazardous pigment."

Quick and Efficient Screening!

This handheld device can screen books in mere seconds, a far cry from the slow, costly methods previously used. "We've been tasked with examining thousands of books, and over 100 have been confirmed to contain emerald green pigment," Bruce reported.

Safety First!

At St Andrews, emerald green books are now stored in protective Ziploc bags. The university takes care to check for other copies without the toxic pigment before allowing anyone to handle them, employing special precautions like nitrile gloves.

Historical Context!

In the 19th century, the combination of arsenic and copper was widely used in various products, including clothing, wallpaper, paint, and book bindings. This historical context underscores the importance of the new safety measures.

Accessibility vs. Safety!

According to conservator Erica Kotze, who championed this project, "Restricting green books from public access isn't just about safety; it also limits access to valuable information. By testing these books, we can ensure that those without the toxic pigment remain available to the public."