Dépouillements

A Case of Identity : A Technical Study of Victorian Wallpapers in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 579-590 Titre : A Case of Identity : A Technical Study of Victorian Wallpapers Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 579-590 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Microscopie électronique à balayage Papier peint -- Grande-Bretagne -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Peinture (produit chimique) -- Constituants Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Vert de Paris Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Public perception of arsenic in nineteenth-century Britain encompassed a variety of things: criminal poison, useful medicine, and a raw material for manufacturing an array of goods. During this era, Henry Carr tested wallpaper and fabric samples sent in by private individuals and manufacturers, as part of an early effort in gathering scientific data to inform and protect consumers against chronic arsenic poisoning. In 2022, eight wallpaper samples that Carr had tested were acquired by Winterthur Library. These samples were analyzed by polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy to identify the presence of arsenic. Of the eight wallpaper swatches, seven suggested trace-to-elevated levels of both arsenic and copper. Two swatches were confirmed as having the arsenical pigment emerald green (copper acetoarsenite) specifically. Research into these wallpaper samples furthers the legacy of knowledge gathering and sharing in order to protect everyday users by contributing to toxicology research in library and archives materials. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2443713 [article] A Case of Identity : A Technical Study of Victorian Wallpapers [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 579-590. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 579-590 Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Microscopie électronique à balayage Papier peint -- Grande-Bretagne -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Peinture (produit chimique) -- Constituants Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Vert de Paris Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Public perception of arsenic in nineteenth-century Britain encompassed a variety of things: criminal poison, useful medicine, and a raw material for manufacturing an array of goods. During this era, Henry Carr tested wallpaper and fabric samples sent in by private individuals and manufacturers, as part of an early effort in gathering scientific data to inform and protect consumers against chronic arsenic poisoning. In 2022, eight wallpaper samples that Carr had tested were acquired by Winterthur Library. These samples were analyzed by polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy to identify the presence of arsenic. Of the eight wallpaper swatches, seven suggested trace-to-elevated levels of both arsenic and copper. Two swatches were confirmed as having the arsenical pigment emerald green (copper acetoarsenite) specifically. Research into these wallpaper samples furthers the legacy of knowledge gathering and sharing in order to protect everyday users by contributing to toxicology research in library and archives materials. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2443713

Dutch Boy Strikes Again! : Lead-Based Watercolors in Paint Books for Children / Brittany Murray in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 591-598 Titre : Dutch Boy Strikes Again! : Lead-Based Watercolors in Paint Books for Children Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Brittany Murray (19..-....), Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 591-598 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Albums jeunesse -- États-Unis -- 20e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Peinture à base de plomb -- Albums jeunesse -- États-Unis -- 20e siècle Pigments -- Identification Pigments -- Teneur en plomb -- 20e siècle Spectroscopie d'absorption atomique Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : ‘Dutch Boy White – Lead’ was the trademark of the National Lead Company, the leading manufacturer of lead products in the United States in the early twentieth century. Though there was ample medical literature linking childhood lead poisoning to lead paint, National Lead continued to promote their products to the American public. Dutch Boy produced color-by-paint booklets for children to build generational brand loyalty, reasoning that the ‘children of today are the grown ups of tomorrow.’ The Winterthur Library has seven of these booklets, one of which, the Dutch Boy Conquers Old Man Gloom, required minor conservation treatment. A watercolor palette of the primary colors is in the center of the booklet, and considering the use of lead in house paint, the composition of the watercolors was called into question. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify the watercolors. Both techniques confirmed the presence of lead (II) chromate in booklets ranging from 1914 to 1929. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify the amount of friable lead present, informing the conservation treatment approach. Housings were modified for the health and safety of library staff and researchers. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2447682 [article] Dutch Boy Strikes Again! : Lead-Based Watercolors in Paint Books for Children [texte imprimé] / Brittany Murray (19..-....), Auteur . - 2025 . - P. 591-598. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 591-598 Catégories : Albums jeunesse -- États-Unis -- 20e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Peinture à base de plomb -- Albums jeunesse -- États-Unis -- 20e siècle Pigments -- Identification Pigments -- Teneur en plomb -- 20e siècle Spectroscopie d'absorption atomique Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : ‘Dutch Boy White – Lead’ was the trademark of the National Lead Company, the leading manufacturer of lead products in the United States in the early twentieth century. Though there was ample medical literature linking childhood lead poisoning to lead paint, National Lead continued to promote their products to the American public. Dutch Boy produced color-by-paint booklets for children to build generational brand loyalty, reasoning that the ‘children of today are the grown ups of tomorrow.’ The Winterthur Library has seven of these booklets, one of which, the Dutch Boy Conquers Old Man Gloom, required minor conservation treatment. A watercolor palette of the primary colors is in the center of the booklet, and considering the use of lead in house paint, the composition of the watercolors was called into question. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify the watercolors. Both techniques confirmed the presence of lead (II) chromate in booklets ranging from 1914 to 1929. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to quantify the amount of friable lead present, informing the conservation treatment approach. Housings were modified for the health and safety of library staff and researchers. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2447682

‘Dash on the Poison' : Analysis of an 1837 Bound Herbarium Laced with Colorless Arsenic Trioxide in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 599-611 Titre : ‘Dash on the Poison' : Analysis of an 1837 Bound Herbarium Laced with Colorless Arsenic Trioxide Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 599-611 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Adhésifs -- Toxicologie Anhydride arsénieux Arsenic -- Toxicologie Chlorure mercureux Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Herbiers -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Herbiers -- Teneur en pesticides -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle Microscopie électronique à balayage Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Herbaria, collections of dried plants, have been essential resources in the study of botany for hundreds of years. Like other natural historians, botanists have always struggled to protect their specimens from insects, and heavy metal pesticides were considered indispensable until relatively recently. Prominent nineteenth-century botanists usually recommended the liberal ‘poisoning’ of dried plant specimens with ‘corrosive sublimate,’ mercury (II) chloride in alcohol, among other pesticides. This study describes the instrumental analysis of a book of dried plant specimens assembled by an anonymous botanist in 1837. It was suspected that the plants in this bound herbarium had been poisoned with corrosive sublimate but, instead, arsenic was identified throughout with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Further investigations were made with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), to identify the source of the arsenic in the volume. XRF and SEM-EDX confirmed that a colorless arsenic compound, likely arsenic trioxide, had been dissolved into the gum Arabic adhesive that affixes the plant specimens to each page. The authors are not aware of other instances in which a poisoned adhesive was used to mount herbarium specimens. This botanist’s unusual technique appears to have been largely successful at both securing the plant specimens to the book’s pages and protecting them from insect activity. The ubiquity of arsenic in nineteenth-century life is discussed, in addition to historical pest control measures, and the USA's gradual regulation of arsenic, mercury, and other poisonous substances. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2448101 [article] ‘Dash on the Poison' : Analysis of an 1837 Bound Herbarium Laced with Colorless Arsenic Trioxide [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 599-611. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 599-611 Catégories : Adhésifs -- Toxicologie Anhydride arsénieux Arsenic -- Toxicologie Chlorure mercureux Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Herbiers -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Herbiers -- Teneur en pesticides -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle Microscopie électronique à balayage Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Herbaria, collections of dried plants, have been essential resources in the study of botany for hundreds of years. Like other natural historians, botanists have always struggled to protect their specimens from insects, and heavy metal pesticides were considered indispensable until relatively recently. Prominent nineteenth-century botanists usually recommended the liberal ‘poisoning’ of dried plant specimens with ‘corrosive sublimate,’ mercury (II) chloride in alcohol, among other pesticides. This study describes the instrumental analysis of a book of dried plant specimens assembled by an anonymous botanist in 1837. It was suspected that the plants in this bound herbarium had been poisoned with corrosive sublimate but, instead, arsenic was identified throughout with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Further investigations were made with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), to identify the source of the arsenic in the volume. XRF and SEM-EDX confirmed that a colorless arsenic compound, likely arsenic trioxide, had been dissolved into the gum Arabic adhesive that affixes the plant specimens to each page. The authors are not aware of other instances in which a poisoned adhesive was used to mount herbarium specimens. This botanist’s unusual technique appears to have been largely successful at both securing the plant specimens to the book’s pages and protecting them from insect activity. The ubiquity of arsenic in nineteenth-century life is discussed, in addition to historical pest control measures, and the USA's gradual regulation of arsenic, mercury, and other poisonous substances. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2448101

Orpiment on Seventeenth-Century Blue-Coloured Textblock Edges / Mitchel Gundrum in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 612-619 Titre : Orpiment on Seventeenth-Century Blue-Coloured Textblock Edges Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Mitchel Gundrum (19..-....), Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 612-619 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Livres -- Allemagne -- 17e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Livres -- Pays-Bas -- 17e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Orpiment -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Toxicologie Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Orpiment (arsenic trisulfide) was identified on blue textblock edges of six books with imprints dating between 1647–1712 from cities in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. This is theorized to be evidence of originally green edges coloured with vergaut, a mixture of indigo and orpiment, as suggested by elemental analysis and contemporary bookbinding manuals. While recent studies in bibliotoxicology have focused on red (vermilion), yellow (orpiment, lead chromate), and green (emerald green) binding features, this study suggests bibliographic and safety value in surveying potentially hazardous blue colourants on pre-industrial bookbindings. [article] Orpiment on Seventeenth-Century Blue-Coloured Textblock Edges [texte imprimé] / Mitchel Gundrum (19..-....), Auteur . - 2025 . - P. 612-619. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 612-619 Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Livres -- Allemagne -- 17e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Livres -- Pays-Bas -- 17e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Orpiment -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Toxicologie Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Orpiment (arsenic trisulfide) was identified on blue textblock edges of six books with imprints dating between 1647–1712 from cities in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. This is theorized to be evidence of originally green edges coloured with vergaut, a mixture of indigo and orpiment, as suggested by elemental analysis and contemporary bookbinding manuals. While recent studies in bibliotoxicology have focused on red (vermilion), yellow (orpiment, lead chromate), and green (emerald green) binding features, this study suggests bibliographic and safety value in surveying potentially hazardous blue colourants on pre-industrial bookbindings.

Color Under Siege: Material Analysis and Housing of Late Nineteenth-Century Posters from the Siege and Commune of Paris / Jess Ortegon in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 620-630 Titre : Color Under Siege: Material Analysis and Housing of Late Nineteenth-Century Posters from the Siege and Commune of Paris Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Jess Ortegon (19..-....), Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 620-630 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Affiches politiques -- France -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie Microscopie Microscopie de polarisation Paris (France) -- 1871 (Commune) -- Affiches -- Conservation et restauration Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : The Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections at Northwestern University Libraries holds a significant collection of original materials on the Siege and Commune of Paris (ca. 1870-1871) including over 1,000 printed posters. 262 of these posters were printed on colored papers, which present unique material challenges for their preservation. By the 1860s, synthetic dyes and pigments nearly replaced natural colorants historically used in paper production as they were thought to be vastly superior in vibrancy and ease of use. Some synthetic pigments used in the late nineteenth century contain heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and mercury, adding health and safety concerns to treatment and housing considerations. Twenty-eight colored posters from the collection were examined using optical microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to investigate their elemental profiles, while five of the 28 posters underwent further examination using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and Raman spectroscopy to identify suspected heavy metal pigments. XRF confirmed the elemental presence of lead and chromium in orange, yellow, green, and peach posters, and Raman analysis identified the pigment chrome yellow in the yellow and green posters. The results obtained were used to inform treatment and housing protocols alongside established institutional guidelines to reduce health and safety risks and address physical condition issues. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2460409#abstract [article] Color Under Siege: Material Analysis and Housing of Late Nineteenth-Century Posters from the Siege and Commune of Paris [texte imprimé] / Jess Ortegon (19..-....), Auteur . - 2025 . - P. 620-630. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 620-630 Catégories : Affiches politiques -- France -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie Microscopie Microscopie de polarisation Paris (France) -- 1871 (Commune) -- Affiches -- Conservation et restauration Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : The Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections at Northwestern University Libraries holds a significant collection of original materials on the Siege and Commune of Paris (ca. 1870-1871) including over 1,000 printed posters. 262 of these posters were printed on colored papers, which present unique material challenges for their preservation. By the 1860s, synthetic dyes and pigments nearly replaced natural colorants historically used in paper production as they were thought to be vastly superior in vibrancy and ease of use. Some synthetic pigments used in the late nineteenth century contain heavy metals such as lead, chromium, and mercury, adding health and safety concerns to treatment and housing considerations. Twenty-eight colored posters from the collection were examined using optical microscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) to investigate their elemental profiles, while five of the 28 posters underwent further examination using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and Raman spectroscopy to identify suspected heavy metal pigments. XRF confirmed the elemental presence of lead and chromium in orange, yellow, green, and peach posters, and Raman analysis identified the pigment chrome yellow in the yellow and green posters. The results obtained were used to inform treatment and housing protocols alongside established institutional guidelines to reduce health and safety risks and address physical condition issues. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2460409#abstract

What Escapes the Eye: Exploring the Toxicity of a Red Velvet Spanish Carta Ejecutoria (1792) in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) Titre : What Escapes the Eye: Exploring the Toxicity of a Red Velvet Spanish Carta Ejecutoria (1792) Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Documents électoraux -- Espagne -- 18e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Mercure -- Toxicologie Pesticides -- Toxicologie Plomb -- Toxicologie Poussière -- Analyse Spectroscopie des rayons X Velours -- Espagne -- 18e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : This case study investigates the toxicity of a Spanish Carta Ejecutoria (1792) from the University of Delaware by analyzing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and wipe dust data. Studied in 2021–2022 for its materiality and historical context, XRF spot measurements suggested arsenic, lead, and mercury in the left board’s velvet cover. However, because the object’s toxicological profile was peripheral to the initial study, the XRF and dust interpretations remained incomplete. This publication, supported by bilingual literature, XRF spectra, and quantitative dust data review, provided an opportunity to clarify earlier hazardousness concerns. While XRF measurements indicated trace amounts of lead in the velvet cover and no lead in the parchment folio, wipe dust results confirmed that lead was the primary source of toxicity, exceeding EPA’s lowest clearance threshold (10.0 µg/ft²) on both materials. Potential sources include lead-based silk weighting practices, lead-based pesticide campaigns targeting proteinaceous substrates, or contamination from a missing lead hanging seal. Secondary mercury toxicity, identified in trace amounts only in the velvet, likely corresponds to mercuric chloride pesticides or ‘corrosive sublimate’ paste concoctions used in the bookbinding process. Arsenic, found in the Dutch paper’s smalt (a bluing agent), showed no offset evidence. This case study provided crucial insights into the Carta’s toxicological profile by comparing results against established EPA benchmarks, emphasizing the complementary value of XRF and dust analysis. Finally, the presented literature review and results contribute to the broader study of inconspicuously toxic library collections by underscoring the need to identify health risks beyond Victorian-era ‘poisonous books’. [article] What Escapes the Eye: Exploring the Toxicity of a Red Velvet Spanish Carta Ejecutoria (1792) [texte imprimé] . - 2025. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Documents électoraux -- Espagne -- 18e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Mercure -- Toxicologie Pesticides -- Toxicologie Plomb -- Toxicologie Poussière -- Analyse Spectroscopie des rayons X Velours -- Espagne -- 18e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : This case study investigates the toxicity of a Spanish Carta Ejecutoria (1792) from the University of Delaware by analyzing X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and wipe dust data. Studied in 2021–2022 for its materiality and historical context, XRF spot measurements suggested arsenic, lead, and mercury in the left board’s velvet cover. However, because the object’s toxicological profile was peripheral to the initial study, the XRF and dust interpretations remained incomplete. This publication, supported by bilingual literature, XRF spectra, and quantitative dust data review, provided an opportunity to clarify earlier hazardousness concerns. While XRF measurements indicated trace amounts of lead in the velvet cover and no lead in the parchment folio, wipe dust results confirmed that lead was the primary source of toxicity, exceeding EPA’s lowest clearance threshold (10.0 µg/ft²) on both materials. Potential sources include lead-based silk weighting practices, lead-based pesticide campaigns targeting proteinaceous substrates, or contamination from a missing lead hanging seal. Secondary mercury toxicity, identified in trace amounts only in the velvet, likely corresponds to mercuric chloride pesticides or ‘corrosive sublimate’ paste concoctions used in the bookbinding process. Arsenic, found in the Dutch paper’s smalt (a bluing agent), showed no offset evidence. This case study provided crucial insights into the Carta’s toxicological profile by comparing results against established EPA benchmarks, emphasizing the complementary value of XRF and dust analysis. Finally, the presented literature review and results contribute to the broader study of inconspicuously toxic library collections by underscoring the need to identify health risks beyond Victorian-era ‘poisonous books’.

Hazardous Hues : Identification of Arsenic Present in a Range of Colours Found on Historic Archival Material in the Collection of Parks Canada / Timothy Greening in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 640-646 Titre : Hazardous Hues : Identification of Arsenic Present in a Range of Colours Found on Historic Archival Material in the Collection of Parks Canada Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Timothy Greening (19..-....), Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 640-646 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Archives -- Conservation et restauration -- Canada Arsenic -- Toxicologie Colorants synthétiques -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Identification Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Since late 2019, Parks Canada has been active in the identification of hazardous materials in the collection under the care of the Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate, using non-destructive XRF analysis. This method of analysis can detect elements of concern including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. In the case of arsenic, selected case studies show that arsenic is found in more places than initially expected. This paper outlines the XRF analysis of collections materials expected to be found in library and archives, and discusses the visual identification of arsenic, based on the colour of the material. Arsenic yellows (orpiment and/or realgar) were not positively identified in this survey, nor was cobalt violet (cobalt arsenate). A copper-arsenic green, likely emerald green, was occasionally detected. In addition, both a green ink distinct from typical arsenical greens, and dark reds were shown to contain varying levels of arsenic on paper artefacts during this survey. This paper posits the use of early synthetic organic pigments as an explanation for the presence of arsenic in the artefacts under investigation. Historical research indicates that aside from the colours green and yellow, arsenic can also be found in materials in the red and mauve colour families, from arsenic used in the synthesis of aniline dyes. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2465954 [article] Hazardous Hues : Identification of Arsenic Present in a Range of Colours Found on Historic Archival Material in the Collection of Parks Canada [texte imprimé] / Timothy Greening (19..-....), Auteur . - 2025 . - P. 640-646. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 640-646 Catégories : Archives -- Conservation et restauration -- Canada Arsenic -- Toxicologie Colorants synthétiques -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Identification Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Since late 2019, Parks Canada has been active in the identification of hazardous materials in the collection under the care of the Indigenous Affairs and Cultural Heritage Directorate, using non-destructive XRF analysis. This method of analysis can detect elements of concern including lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. In the case of arsenic, selected case studies show that arsenic is found in more places than initially expected. This paper outlines the XRF analysis of collections materials expected to be found in library and archives, and discusses the visual identification of arsenic, based on the colour of the material. Arsenic yellows (orpiment and/or realgar) were not positively identified in this survey, nor was cobalt violet (cobalt arsenate). A copper-arsenic green, likely emerald green, was occasionally detected. In addition, both a green ink distinct from typical arsenical greens, and dark reds were shown to contain varying levels of arsenic on paper artefacts during this survey. This paper posits the use of early synthetic organic pigments as an explanation for the presence of arsenic in the artefacts under investigation. Historical research indicates that aside from the colours green and yellow, arsenic can also be found in materials in the red and mauve colour families, from arsenic used in the synthesis of aniline dyes. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2465954

A Comparative Study of Invasive and Micro-Invasive Analytical Methods for the Detection and Identification of Historically Applied Pesticides to Archival Records in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 647-658 Titre : A Comparative Study of Invasive and Micro-Invasive Analytical Methods for the Detection and Identification of Historically Applied Pesticides to Archival Records Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 647-658 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Archives -- Conservation et restauration -- Canada Archives -- Conservation et restauration -- Grande-Bretagne Chromatographie en phase gazeuse Conservation et restauration -- Échantillonnage Conservation et restauration -- Méthode comparative Pesticides -- Identification Pesticides -- Recherches Spectrométrie de masse Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : The National Archives UK has previously carried out invasive sampling and analysis on records in its collections which were found to contain various organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues on all tested items regardless of format or period of creation. This study presented a rare opportunity to carry out comparative research of invasive and swab sampling methods on original, historic materials for the detection and identification of hazardous substances. Swabbing was carried out on the same records that had been invasively sampled to determine the sensitivity and applicability of this method relative to invasive sampling as well as the likelihood of pesticide transfer during handling of the records. Analysis by gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated that the presence of a number of pesticides could effectively be identified using a dry swabbing method, including pentachlorophenol, ortho-phenylphenol, and the breakdown products of DDT and methoxychlor. The pesticides identified in invasive and swab testing from the same book were sometimes different, highlighting that the method of sampling will affect the results. Our results from this case study provide a snapshot, comparing the concentrations of hazardous organic pesticides detected in the invasive tests versus those found in swabs, and compare these quantities to human health-based screening concentrations. We argue that a dry swabbing programme is a good option in archival settings for screening for a comprehensive suite of pesticides, complementing existing occupational health approaches that take into account a whole collection, and can provide information to facilitate access and handling of historical records. [article] A Comparative Study of Invasive and Micro-Invasive Analytical Methods for the Detection and Identification of Historically Applied Pesticides to Archival Records [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 647-658. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 647-658 Catégories : Archives -- Conservation et restauration -- Canada Archives -- Conservation et restauration -- Grande-Bretagne Chromatographie en phase gazeuse Conservation et restauration -- Échantillonnage Conservation et restauration -- Méthode comparative Pesticides -- Identification Pesticides -- Recherches Spectrométrie de masse Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : The National Archives UK has previously carried out invasive sampling and analysis on records in its collections which were found to contain various organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues on all tested items regardless of format or period of creation. This study presented a rare opportunity to carry out comparative research of invasive and swab sampling methods on original, historic materials for the detection and identification of hazardous substances. Swabbing was carried out on the same records that had been invasively sampled to determine the sensitivity and applicability of this method relative to invasive sampling as well as the likelihood of pesticide transfer during handling of the records. Analysis by gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC-MS) demonstrated that the presence of a number of pesticides could effectively be identified using a dry swabbing method, including pentachlorophenol, ortho-phenylphenol, and the breakdown products of DDT and methoxychlor. The pesticides identified in invasive and swab testing from the same book were sometimes different, highlighting that the method of sampling will affect the results. Our results from this case study provide a snapshot, comparing the concentrations of hazardous organic pesticides detected in the invasive tests versus those found in swabs, and compare these quantities to human health-based screening concentrations. We argue that a dry swabbing programme is a good option in archival settings for screening for a comprehensive suite of pesticides, complementing existing occupational health approaches that take into account a whole collection, and can provide information to facilitate access and handling of historical records.

Toxicity in 3D : XRF Analysis for the Presence of Heavy Metals in a Historical Stereograph Collection at Queen’s University Library, Canada in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 659-674 Titre : Toxicity in 3D : XRF Analysis for the Presence of Heavy Metals in a Historical Stereograph Collection at Queen’s University Library, Canada Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 659-674 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Analyse Pigments -- Identification Plomb -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Stéréogramme -- Canada -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Stéréogramme -- Canada -- 20e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Stéréogramme -- Histoire Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : This study employs non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to identify the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals in a collection of nineteenth century stereographs housed at W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Stereographs were extremely popular forms of entertainment and education in the Victorian era. As a result, they are common in archives, libraries, galleries, museums, and personal collections alike. This article provides an introduction to the history of stereographs, a background on their production, and pXRF analysis into the composition of pigments present on the stereograph mounts. Sixty-nine stereographs were selected for pXRF analysis, dating between 1852 and 1940, with the majority of the stereographs dating prior to 1895. Many of these cards are brightly coloured in greens, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Research revealed that arsenic-based pigment was common among all green stereograph cards analysed, lead-based pigment was common among all orange stereograph cards analysed, and lead- and chromium-based pigments were common among all the yellow cards analysed. However, additional analytical techniques need to be employed for definitive pigment identifications. This study demonstrates that hazardous pigments from the nineteenth century extend beyond wallpapers, books, and textiles and are likely to be pervasive in many heritage workplaces. This research highlights the importance of educating staff who work with archival collections. Understanding the scope of toxic pigments in archival collections is critical to ensuring proper handling, storage, and mitigation strategies to protect both the health of individuals and the integrity of these historically significant artifacts. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2450976 [article] Toxicity in 3D : XRF Analysis for the Presence of Heavy Metals in a Historical Stereograph Collection at Queen’s University Library, Canada [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 659-674. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 659-674 Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Analyse Pigments -- Identification Plomb -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Stéréogramme -- Canada -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Stéréogramme -- Canada -- 20e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Stéréogramme -- Histoire Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : This study employs non-destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to identify the presence of potentially harmful heavy metals in a collection of nineteenth century stereographs housed at W.D. Jordan Rare Books and Special Collections at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Stereographs were extremely popular forms of entertainment and education in the Victorian era. As a result, they are common in archives, libraries, galleries, museums, and personal collections alike. This article provides an introduction to the history of stereographs, a background on their production, and pXRF analysis into the composition of pigments present on the stereograph mounts. Sixty-nine stereographs were selected for pXRF analysis, dating between 1852 and 1940, with the majority of the stereographs dating prior to 1895. Many of these cards are brightly coloured in greens, oranges, yellows, and pinks. Research revealed that arsenic-based pigment was common among all green stereograph cards analysed, lead-based pigment was common among all orange stereograph cards analysed, and lead- and chromium-based pigments were common among all the yellow cards analysed. However, additional analytical techniques need to be employed for definitive pigment identifications. This study demonstrates that hazardous pigments from the nineteenth century extend beyond wallpapers, books, and textiles and are likely to be pervasive in many heritage workplaces. This research highlights the importance of educating staff who work with archival collections. Understanding the scope of toxic pigments in archival collections is critical to ensuring proper handling, storage, and mitigation strategies to protect both the health of individuals and the integrity of these historically significant artifacts. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2450976

Risk-based Decision-making Informed by Analysis of an Early Nineteenth-century Manuscript Containing Smalt in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 675-685 Titre : Risk-based Decision-making Informed by Analysis of an Early Nineteenth-century Manuscript Containing Smalt Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 675-685 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Agents de blanchiment -- Toxicologie Arsenic -- Toxicologie Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Manuscrits musicaux -- Canada -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Oxydes de cobalt Patrimoine écrit -- Conservation et restauration -- Évaluation du risque -- 21e siècle Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : This paper reviews a collaborative examination and analysis of an early nineteenth-century music manuscript at the Canadian Conservation Institute. Collaboration between conservation scientists and conservators helped process scientific information, hazards, and treatment decisions to complete the arc of planning, treatment execution, and future care recommendations for the client. An unexpected result during the initial analysis of the pigments flagged the presence of arsenic on the painted and unpainted areas of the textblock. Initial hypotheses were that it could have derived from an application of pesticide on the binding or that it was part of the papermaking process. To characterize the nature of the arsenic more fully and to attempt to understand the level of risk during handling, further analysis was carried out. Through the analysis, it was determined that the source of arsenic in the manuscript is smalt – a blue glassy colourant, added to the paper during manufacture to make it appear whiter; there was no indication of an arsenical pesticide found. This case study provoked interesting discussions regarding the contextualizing of risk and analysis results when working with an unexpected finding of potential hazards, both during the execution of a conservation treatment, and in recommending care during handling and storage. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2469475 [article] Risk-based Decision-making Informed by Analysis of an Early Nineteenth-century Manuscript Containing Smalt [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 675-685. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 675-685 Catégories : Agents de blanchiment -- Toxicologie Arsenic -- Toxicologie Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Manuscrits musicaux -- Canada -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Oxydes de cobalt Patrimoine écrit -- Conservation et restauration -- Évaluation du risque -- 21e siècle Pigments -- Toxicologie Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : This paper reviews a collaborative examination and analysis of an early nineteenth-century music manuscript at the Canadian Conservation Institute. Collaboration between conservation scientists and conservators helped process scientific information, hazards, and treatment decisions to complete the arc of planning, treatment execution, and future care recommendations for the client. An unexpected result during the initial analysis of the pigments flagged the presence of arsenic on the painted and unpainted areas of the textblock. Initial hypotheses were that it could have derived from an application of pesticide on the binding or that it was part of the papermaking process. To characterize the nature of the arsenic more fully and to attempt to understand the level of risk during handling, further analysis was carried out. Through the analysis, it was determined that the source of arsenic in the manuscript is smalt – a blue glassy colourant, added to the paper during manufacture to make it appear whiter; there was no indication of an arsenical pesticide found. This case study provoked interesting discussions regarding the contextualizing of risk and analysis results when working with an unexpected finding of potential hazards, both during the execution of a conservation treatment, and in recommending care during handling and storage. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2469475

Let’s Talk Toxic : Communicating About Bibliotoxicology Using SciComm and BibComm Ideals / Alexandra Alvis in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 686-693 Titre : Let’s Talk Toxic : Communicating About Bibliotoxicology Using SciComm and BibComm Ideals Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Alexandra Alvis (19..-....), Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 686-693 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Archives -- Matériaux -- Toxicologie -- Documentation Conservation et restauration -- Documentation -- Méthodolopgie Information scientifique Références bibliographiques Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2429339 [article] Let’s Talk Toxic : Communicating About Bibliotoxicology Using SciComm and BibComm Ideals [texte imprimé] / Alexandra Alvis (19..-....), Auteur . - 2025 . - P. 686-693. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 686-693 Catégories : Archives -- Matériaux -- Toxicologie -- Documentation Conservation et restauration -- Documentation -- Méthodolopgie Information scientifique Références bibliographiques Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2024.2429339

Handling ‘Poison Books’: Dry Versus Wet Scenarios in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 694-701 Titre : Handling ‘Poison Books’: Dry Versus Wet Scenarios Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 694-701 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie -- Effets des inondations Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Analyse Pigments -- Toxicologie Reliure -- Matériaux -- Toxicologie -- 19e siècle -- Études de cas Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Toxic heavy metal pigments are known to be found in nineteenth-century, mass-produced, Euro-American bookbindings. A lack of data, standards, and regulations for exposure to heavy metal pigments in the cultural heritage sector limits understanding of when such bookbindings might present the greatest health and safety risk and how best to assess such risk. This case study measures the friability of arsenic, chromium, and lead based pigments in a sampling of nineteenth-century bookbindings through three scenarios: first, in their naturally aged, intact state; second, during a water event simulation; and third, after salvage and air-drying from the water disaster simulation. The data demonstrate that the risk of exposure to these heavy metals increases during and after a water event, with exposure to arsenic presenting the highest degree of risk. [article] Handling ‘Poison Books’: Dry Versus Wet Scenarios [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 694-701. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 694-701 Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie -- Effets des inondations Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie Pigments -- Analyse Pigments -- Toxicologie Reliure -- Matériaux -- Toxicologie -- 19e siècle -- Études de cas Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Toxic heavy metal pigments are known to be found in nineteenth-century, mass-produced, Euro-American bookbindings. A lack of data, standards, and regulations for exposure to heavy metal pigments in the cultural heritage sector limits understanding of when such bookbindings might present the greatest health and safety risk and how best to assess such risk. This case study measures the friability of arsenic, chromium, and lead based pigments in a sampling of nineteenth-century bookbindings through three scenarios: first, in their naturally aged, intact state; second, during a water event simulation; and third, after salvage and air-drying from the water disaster simulation. The data demonstrate that the risk of exposure to these heavy metals increases during and after a water event, with exposure to arsenic presenting the highest degree of risk.

It’s Not Easy Being Green – The Challenge of Having Poisonous Arsenic Containing Books in a National Library Collection in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 702-713 Titre : It’s Not Easy Being Green – The Challenge of Having Poisonous Arsenic Containing Books in a National Library Collection Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 702-713 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Archives -- Matériaux -- Toxicologie -- Identification Arsenic -- Toxicologie Documentation de bibliothèque -- Conservation et restauration -- Toxicologie Koninklijke bibliotheek (Pays-Bas) -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Pigments -- Toxicologie Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Poisonous books in library collections with public access pose a specific challenge due to the fact that library staff and readers handle collection items intensely. This article describes the quest of the KB National Library of the Netherlands in how to deal specifically with arsenic used in colorants for library materials. It addresses the challenges of not knowing which collection items contain poisonous arsenic components, whether or not their presence constitutes a health risk, as well as dealing with official hygiene laws and regulations in handling arsenic. It describes two lines of research carried out by the library: one addressing the potential exposure to arsenic when handling these items and the other identifying arsenic containing items in the collections. The overall results of the exposure research do not show a direct link between increased arsenic levels found in the biomonitoring study and the work environment (at this specific library, at the time of testing). However, arsenic was found on work surfaces and tools used while handling arsenic containing objects. Legal health and safety regulations stipulate strict hygiene measures, which at first glance appear somewhat paradoxical to the outcome of the exposure study. Libraries have the duty to implement hygiene measures to ensure safe handling of these materials by staff and readers. The article describes the quest of the KB National Library of the Netherlands in dealing with books containing arsenic and will discuss the specific challenge and possible opportunity of the upcoming relocation of the entire collection to a new external robotized storage facility. [article] It’s Not Easy Being Green – The Challenge of Having Poisonous Arsenic Containing Books in a National Library Collection [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 702-713. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 702-713 Catégories : Archives -- Matériaux -- Toxicologie -- Identification Arsenic -- Toxicologie Documentation de bibliothèque -- Conservation et restauration -- Toxicologie Koninklijke bibliotheek (Pays-Bas) -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Pigments -- Toxicologie Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Poisonous books in library collections with public access pose a specific challenge due to the fact that library staff and readers handle collection items intensely. This article describes the quest of the KB National Library of the Netherlands in how to deal specifically with arsenic used in colorants for library materials. It addresses the challenges of not knowing which collection items contain poisonous arsenic components, whether or not their presence constitutes a health risk, as well as dealing with official hygiene laws and regulations in handling arsenic. It describes two lines of research carried out by the library: one addressing the potential exposure to arsenic when handling these items and the other identifying arsenic containing items in the collections. The overall results of the exposure research do not show a direct link between increased arsenic levels found in the biomonitoring study and the work environment (at this specific library, at the time of testing). However, arsenic was found on work surfaces and tools used while handling arsenic containing objects. Legal health and safety regulations stipulate strict hygiene measures, which at first glance appear somewhat paradoxical to the outcome of the exposure study. Libraries have the duty to implement hygiene measures to ensure safe handling of these materials by staff and readers. The article describes the quest of the KB National Library of the Netherlands in dealing with books containing arsenic and will discuss the specific challenge and possible opportunity of the upcoming relocation of the entire collection to a new external robotized storage facility.

Multi-Analytical Investigation of Arsenical Transfer and Remediation on Nineteenth-Century Green Books in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 714-729 Titre : Multi-Analytical Investigation of Arsenical Transfer and Remediation on Nineteenth-Century Green Books Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 714-729 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Contamination -- Recherche Arsenic -- Toxicologie Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Documentation de bibliothèque -- Conservation et restauration -- Toxicologie Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Livres -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Microscopie électronique à balayage Northwestern university. Library -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Rayonnement synchrotron Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Vert de Paris Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Books containing heavy metals, specifically nineteenth-century green arsenical books, have been identified at Northwestern University Libraries, raising health and safety concerns related to handling. Copper acetoarsenite pigments, such as emerald green, were detected on book covers, decorative page edges, labels, and other components using noninvasive analytical techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Further examination of selected volumes using synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques revealed pigment migration, degradation, and arsenic transfer to adjacent books. This paper expands on initial findings through two related experiments. The first explored the transfer of arsenic using mechanical friction; Staedtler Mars® white vinyl erasers rubbed on arsenical books generated crumbs which were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Results confirmed the transfer of arsenic, copper, and lead, with decorative page edges being particularly prone to shedding arsenic onto other materials. The second experiment tested remediation methods on a book contaminated by prolonged exposure to an arsenical neighbor. Surface cleaning using erasers and a vacuum removed flecks of pigment but did not eliminate non-chromophoric arsenic as confirmed by SR analyses, which highlights its presence either as a degradation product embedded within the paper or present in the paper as part of its production process. Findings demonstrate the acute toxicity risk posed by arsenical books and support the need for safe handling protocols. However, materials with only trace levels of arsenic embedded during production may pose a lower risk of transfer. Cross contamination beyond prolonged direct contact appears limited. These results highlight critical considerations for library preservation practices and future research on arsenic in historical materials. [article] Multi-Analytical Investigation of Arsenical Transfer and Remediation on Nineteenth-Century Green Books [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 714-729. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 714-729 Catégories : Arsenic -- Contamination -- Recherche Arsenic -- Toxicologie Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Documentation de bibliothèque -- Conservation et restauration -- Toxicologie Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Livres -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Microscopie électronique à balayage Northwestern university. Library -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Rayonnement synchrotron Spectroscopie des rayons X Spectroscopie Raman Vert de Paris Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Books containing heavy metals, specifically nineteenth-century green arsenical books, have been identified at Northwestern University Libraries, raising health and safety concerns related to handling. Copper acetoarsenite pigments, such as emerald green, were detected on book covers, decorative page edges, labels, and other components using noninvasive analytical techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Further examination of selected volumes using synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques revealed pigment migration, degradation, and arsenic transfer to adjacent books. This paper expands on initial findings through two related experiments. The first explored the transfer of arsenic using mechanical friction; Staedtler Mars® white vinyl erasers rubbed on arsenical books generated crumbs which were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Results confirmed the transfer of arsenic, copper, and lead, with decorative page edges being particularly prone to shedding arsenic onto other materials. The second experiment tested remediation methods on a book contaminated by prolonged exposure to an arsenical neighbor. Surface cleaning using erasers and a vacuum removed flecks of pigment but did not eliminate non-chromophoric arsenic as confirmed by SR analyses, which highlights its presence either as a degradation product embedded within the paper or present in the paper as part of its production process. Findings demonstrate the acute toxicity risk posed by arsenical books and support the need for safe handling protocols. However, materials with only trace levels of arsenic embedded during production may pose a lower risk of transfer. Cross contamination beyond prolonged direct contact appears limited. These results highlight critical considerations for library preservation practices and future research on arsenic in historical materials.

Occupational Exposure Risk Assessment of Library Collections Work Tasks and Storage Areas in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 730-739 Titre : Occupational Exposure Risk Assessment of Library Collections Work Tasks and Storage Areas Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 730-739 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Contamination -- Identification Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Dépistage Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Étude de cas Santé au travail -- Bibliothèques -- 21e siècle Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Cultural heritage sites, including libraries where historical texts are available, are responsible to staff, research visitors, and the public for providing a safe and healthy work and educational experience. Identifying hazards inherent and acquired on collections, or in contaminated work areas and storage environments, has become more prevalent with the use of XRF analysis (for metals), knowledge of collector's notes, and records of conservation methods. However, this is only source identification data, that typically does not directly correlate to the potential health risk from specific work tasks and where routes of exposure exist. An occupational exposure assessment, conducted by a qualified health and safety professional, will determine actual risks during work tasks via personal sampling devices and media, surface and dermal wipes, and other methods. An exposure assessment case study is presented, related to the testing and assessment of worker exposure to and workspace contamination from selected metals (arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury) within historical collections at a regional library. Personal sampling results quantified potential inhalation exposures, wipe samples verified the presence of contaminants on hands (potential ingestion risk), and surface wipe results identified cross-contamination in collection storage and work areas. Detailed recommendations for improved safe work practices, personal protection, and other controls were offered. Understanding hazard sources, routes of exposure, and surface transference defines both the potential health risk and the methods to best control that exposure. Safety and collection preservation and conservation are not disjointed topics. Safety can work hand in hand to support the protection of collections. [article] Occupational Exposure Risk Assessment of Library Collections Work Tasks and Storage Areas [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 730-739. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 730-739 Catégories : Arsenic -- Contamination -- Identification Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Dépistage Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Étude de cas Santé au travail -- Bibliothèques -- 21e siècle Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Cultural heritage sites, including libraries where historical texts are available, are responsible to staff, research visitors, and the public for providing a safe and healthy work and educational experience. Identifying hazards inherent and acquired on collections, or in contaminated work areas and storage environments, has become more prevalent with the use of XRF analysis (for metals), knowledge of collector's notes, and records of conservation methods. However, this is only source identification data, that typically does not directly correlate to the potential health risk from specific work tasks and where routes of exposure exist. An occupational exposure assessment, conducted by a qualified health and safety professional, will determine actual risks during work tasks via personal sampling devices and media, surface and dermal wipes, and other methods. An exposure assessment case study is presented, related to the testing and assessment of worker exposure to and workspace contamination from selected metals (arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury) within historical collections at a regional library. Personal sampling results quantified potential inhalation exposures, wipe samples verified the presence of contaminants on hands (potential ingestion risk), and surface wipe results identified cross-contamination in collection storage and work areas. Detailed recommendations for improved safe work practices, personal protection, and other controls were offered. Understanding hazard sources, routes of exposure, and surface transference defines both the potential health risk and the methods to best control that exposure. Safety and collection preservation and conservation are not disjointed topics. Safety can work hand in hand to support the protection of collections.

Assessing the Health Risks of Arsenic in Nineteenth-century Books at the UC Berkeley Library: Evaluating the Exposure Levels for Staff and Patrons in the Library Context in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 740-744 Titre : Assessing the Health Risks of Arsenic in Nineteenth-century Books at the UC Berkeley Library: Evaluating the Exposure Levels for Staff and Patrons in the Library Context Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 740-744 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Conservation et restauration -- Échantillonnage Livres -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Patrimoine écrit -- Conservation et restauration -- Évaluation du risque -- 21e siècle Santé au travail -- Bibliothèques -- 21e siècle Sécurité du travail -- Appareils et matériel Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X University of California, Berkeley. General library -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : After confirming the presence of arsenic and lead in selected nineteenth-century books using XRF, the UC Berkeley Library Preservation Department and the UC Berkeley Office of Environment, Health and Safety conducted an exposure test to evaluate the risk of handling books for patrons and library staff. This test was designed to replicate a patron or conservator’s exposure levels while reading or mending a book that contains arsenic and lead. It involved handling one book for an hour, wearing fitted personal protective equipment (PPE), while taking air samples near the handler’s breathing zone, and subsequent wipe samples taken from the underlying surface and gloves used to handle the book. Results were compared with the CAL/OSHA action levels, the California Department of Health standard for lead contaminated dust, and the ‘World Trade Center Indoor Environment Assessment’ guidelines. Despite being anecdotal evidence, this case study contributes to an information gap that cannot be easily filled given that individual libraries do not have the resources to undertake a large-scale analysis of nineteenth-century materials. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2514983 [article] Assessing the Health Risks of Arsenic in Nineteenth-century Books at the UC Berkeley Library: Evaluating the Exposure Levels for Staff and Patrons in the Library Context [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 740-744. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 740-744 Catégories : Arsenic -- Toxicologie Conservation et restauration -- Échantillonnage Livres -- États-Unis -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Patrimoine écrit -- Conservation et restauration -- Évaluation du risque -- 21e siècle Santé au travail -- Bibliothèques -- 21e siècle Sécurité du travail -- Appareils et matériel Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X University of California, Berkeley. General library -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : After confirming the presence of arsenic and lead in selected nineteenth-century books using XRF, the UC Berkeley Library Preservation Department and the UC Berkeley Office of Environment, Health and Safety conducted an exposure test to evaluate the risk of handling books for patrons and library staff. This test was designed to replicate a patron or conservator’s exposure levels while reading or mending a book that contains arsenic and lead. It involved handling one book for an hour, wearing fitted personal protective equipment (PPE), while taking air samples near the handler’s breathing zone, and subsequent wipe samples taken from the underlying surface and gloves used to handle the book. Results were compared with the CAL/OSHA action levels, the California Department of Health standard for lead contaminated dust, and the ‘World Trade Center Indoor Environment Assessment’ guidelines. Despite being anecdotal evidence, this case study contributes to an information gap that cannot be easily filled given that individual libraries do not have the resources to undertake a large-scale analysis of nineteenth-century materials. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2514983

Toxic Tales: Arsenic’s Legacy in Nineteenth-century Green Book Bindings at Northwestern University Libraries in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)  

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 745-761 Titre : Toxic Tales: Arsenic’s Legacy in Nineteenth-century Green Book Bindings at Northwestern University Libraries Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 745-761 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Arsenic -- Contamination -- Identification Arsenic -- Toxicologie Bibliothèques -- Publics -- Aspect sanitaire -- 21e siècle Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Documentation de bibliothèque -- Conservation et restauration -- Toxicologie Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Dépistage Northwestern university. Library -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Patrimoine écrit -- Conservation et restauration -- Évaluation du risque -- 21e siècle Pigments -- Toxicologie Vert de Paris Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Northwestern University Libraries (NUL), partnering with the Northwestern University – Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS), identified nineteenth-century green books that were created using arsenic and other heavy metals. Various analytical techniques have revealed that arsenical pigments were used in the USA and Europe on cloth and paper book covers, page edges, and labels producing a range of green hues and tints. Previous research has shown that over time, the pigments transform into degradation products, can migrate to non-pigmented areas, and transfer to adjacent books. As a result of these findings, NUL investigated potential hazards to users and caretakers and concluded that handling these materials presented possible health risks. NUL took steps to reduce risks to patrons and library staff including staff training, removal of suspected volumes containing arsenical materials from the open stacks, updating the reader agreement, establishment of an off-site hazardous materials storage area, creation of standard operating procedures, and development of a housing and labeling system. By sharing these activities, Northwestern hopes to build awareness of potential hazards in cultural institutions, provide safe access to the rare original materials, and provide a model for other organizations who may hold similar materials. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2460403 [article] Toxic Tales: Arsenic’s Legacy in Nineteenth-century Green Book Bindings at Northwestern University Libraries [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 745-761. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 745-761 Catégories : Arsenic -- Contamination -- Identification Arsenic -- Toxicologie Bibliothèques -- Publics -- Aspect sanitaire -- 21e siècle Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Documentation de bibliothèque -- Conservation et restauration -- Toxicologie Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Dépistage Northwestern university. Library -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Patrimoine écrit -- Conservation et restauration -- Évaluation du risque -- 21e siècle Pigments -- Toxicologie Vert de Paris Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection Résumé : Northwestern University Libraries (NUL), partnering with the Northwestern University – Art Institute of Chicago Center for Scientific Studies in the Arts (NU-ACCESS), identified nineteenth-century green books that were created using arsenic and other heavy metals. Various analytical techniques have revealed that arsenical pigments were used in the USA and Europe on cloth and paper book covers, page edges, and labels producing a range of green hues and tints. Previous research has shown that over time, the pigments transform into degradation products, can migrate to non-pigmented areas, and transfer to adjacent books. As a result of these findings, NUL investigated potential hazards to users and caretakers and concluded that handling these materials presented possible health risks. NUL took steps to reduce risks to patrons and library staff including staff training, removal of suspected volumes containing arsenical materials from the open stacks, updating the reader agreement, establishment of an off-site hazardous materials storage area, creation of standard operating procedures, and development of a housing and labeling system. By sharing these activities, Northwestern hopes to build awareness of potential hazards in cultural institutions, provide safe access to the rare original materials, and provide a model for other organizations who may hold similar materials. En ligne : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00393630.2025.2460403

Showing our Metal: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Substances in Book Covers in the Museums Victoria Library in Studies in conservation, Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01)

Public ISBD [article]  inStudies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 762-771 Titre : Showing our Metal: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Substances in Book Covers in the Museums Victoria Library Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : P. 762-771 Langues : Anglais (eng) Catégories : Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Livres -- Australie -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Livres -- Couvertures -- Toxicologie -- Recherche -- Australie Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Dépistage Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Étude de cas Museum of Victoria (Melbourne, Australie) -- -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Pigments -- Toxicologie Produits chimiques -- Mesures de sécurité Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection [article] Showing our Metal: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Substances in Book Covers in the Museums Victoria Library [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - P. 762-771. Langues : Anglais (eng) in Studies in conservation > Vol.70 N°7-8(2025; October-November) (2025-10-01) . - P. 762-771 Catégories : Conservation et restauration -- Méthodologie -- 21e siècle Fourier, Spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Livres -- Australie -- 19e siècle -- Conservation et restauration Livres -- Couvertures -- Toxicologie -- Recherche -- Australie Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Dépistage Métaux lourds -- Toxicologie -- Étude de cas Museum of Victoria (Melbourne, Australie) -- -- Fonds spéciaux -- Livres rares -- Conservation et restauration Pigments -- Toxicologie Produits chimiques -- Mesures de sécurité Spectroscopie de fluorescence Spectroscopie des rayons X Index. décimale : 7.025 Dommages. Conservation. Protection