After it became known a few days ago that the library of the University of Bielefeld had blocked the lending of tens of thousands of books due to suspected arsenic, Viennese libraries are now also following this approach. Books that are suspected are now checked for the poison.
The Austrian National Library (ÖNB) announced on Friday that it would no longer publish books with a green border from the 19th century for the time being. They have previously been tested for arsenic in its own restoration institute, ÖNB’s general manager told ORF.
No concrete find yet
Initial research has already been done on a small number of books. No arsenic was detected. Many books do not need to be checked. The range of books with green book edges is rather limited, it was said.
Checks are also currently taking place in the library of the University of Vienna. The Vienna Library at the Town Hall wants to hand over corresponding objects for restoration and points out that many of the works are available digitally anyway.
Regardless, the libraries in Vienna have risen to the occasion in Germany with humor. “Our books sometimes contain traces of kebab, Mannerschnitte and chips, but no arsenic,” the social media team of the city libraries tries to reassure its visitors.
Dust from books can be toxic
Arsenic is poisonous. In the 19th century, arsenic compounds were sometimes used in the production of books and magazines. A possible danger may arise if the tomes are touched with green waste and the fingers are moistened with the tongue when turning the pages.
The dust on the books may also contain arsenic and can be inhaled, or arsenic can get into your eyes if you touch the tomes.
Source: Krone
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