The Library had the pleasure of hosting Janet Wittine a senior from Lake Erie College and Walsh's own Brianna Birkle on May 24th to come to the library and test some of our older books for arsenic. Janet's capstone for Erie College, was Examining and pinpointing books that contain arsenic, as part of the Poison Book Project led by the University of Delaware/Winterthur Museum. To read more about the Poison Book Project, check out the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum website https://sites.udel.edu/poisonbookproject/
Why is there arsenic in books?
During the 19th century, arsenic-based pigments were commonly used in book bindings, with Scheele’s Green and Paris Green being particularly popular for their vibrant color.
How do you test for Arsenic?
Brianna and Janet used x-ray fluoroscopy, A non-destructive analytical device designed to be gently placed on the book’s cover to examine its composition.
What happens to the arsenic books?
If testing reveals the presence of arsenic in the books, the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum recommend sealing them in clearly labeled zip-top polyethylene bags.
Are there really poisoned books in the Br. Edmond Drouin Library?
Of the 55 books tested, Brianna and Janet detected no traces of arsenic; however, elevated levels of lead were present. The graph below shows x-ray fluorescence data from the analysis of one of the books. While these findings do not pose an immediate threat to the collection, the majority of these books will be moved to Special Collections due to their age.
For more information on Janet and Brianna's previous collaboration please check out a recent article published by Walsh: https://www.walsh.edu/news/2025/03/brianna-birkle-artifact-conservation.html
Want to learn more about the danger of arsenic in books?
Check out this page from the University of Delaware and Winterthur Museum. https://sites.udel.edu/poisonbookproject/in-the-news/