Tool to identify poisonous books developed by University of St Andrews

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"University of St Andrews Develops Tool to Detect Toxic Pigments in Books"

Tool to identify poisonous books developed by University of St Andrews analysis cover image

The Guardian 7.7

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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/06/tool-to-identify-poisonous-books-developed-by-university-of-st-andrews

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Raw Article Publish Date: 06 June 2025

AI Analysis Average Score: 7.7

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TruthLens AI Summary

Researchers at the University of St Andrews have developed an innovative tool designed to identify books that contain toxic pigments, specifically those that are harmful to human health. Historically, publishers utilized a mix of arsenic and copper to create a striking emerald green color for book covers, which can pose health risks to individuals who handle these books frequently. While the overall risk to the public is considered low, prolonged exposure can lead to various health issues, including irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as more severe side effects. In light of these risks, many libraries have taken precautionary measures by restricting access to all books suspected of containing the toxic green pigment, with institutions like the University of Bielefeld isolating around 60,000 books last year alone due to the challenges associated with testing for these toxins.

The newly developed device leverages a technique originally used in the School of Earth Sciences to detect minerals. The research team, led by Pilar Gil, discovered a unique reflectance pattern of the emerald green pigment in the visible spectrum, which allowed them to create a portable tool capable of detecting the pigment quickly and efficiently. This handheld device operates by shining various colors of light onto the book and analyzing the reflected light, which acts like a fingerprint for the pigment. The team has tested thousands of books and identified over 100 as containing the hazardous emerald green pigment. To ensure safety, St Andrews has implemented strict protocols for handling these books, including storing them in Ziploc bags and using nitrile gloves for handling. The project aims not only to safeguard public health but also to ensure that valuable historical texts can be accessible to the public without compromising safety. A free exhibition titled 'Poisonous Books – Dangers from the Past' is currently being held at the Wardlaw Museum in St Andrews, showcasing the research and its implications for library safety and public access to literature.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The development of a new tool by the University of St Andrews to identify poisonous books highlights a significant intersection of health, history, and technology. This article presents information that not only educates the public about historical practices in bookmaking but also promotes a novel solution to a health risk associated with those practices.

Purpose of the Article

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the historical use of arsenic in book production and its potential health risks. By showcasing a technological advancement that can quickly and inexpensively identify hazardous materials in books, the article seeks to inform libraries and institutions about a safer method for handling and preserving historical texts. The underlying goal is to encourage libraries to adopt this tool to protect the public and prevent health issues.

Public Perception

The article likely aims to create a sense of urgency and concern regarding the safety of handling historical books, particularly those with green covers. By emphasizing the risks associated with arsenic exposure, it fosters an awareness of public health and safety that could resonate with library patrons and professionals alike. This could lead to increased support for funding or research into the preservation of historical texts.

Potential Concealments

There doesn't appear to be any overt intentions to hide or obscure information within the article. Instead, it focuses on a specific issue, which may limit broader discussions about other potential risks associated with historical artifacts or the extent of the problem in other collections.

Manipulative Elements

While the article presents factual information, it could be seen as somewhat manipulative in its focus on fear regarding arsenic exposure. By highlighting the dangers without extensive context around the actual risk levels, it may lead to exaggerated perceptions of threat. The language used is straightforward but could evoke a heightened sense of caution among readers.

Reliability of the Information

The article appears to be credible, as it cites researchers and describes a specific technological application developed at an established institution. However, the degree of risk associated with arsenic in books may require more nuanced discussion, which is not fully explored in the article.

Societal Impact

Increased awareness of the risks associated with handling older books may lead to changes in library policies, funding for preservation efforts, and greater public interest in historical texts. It could also catalyze discussions about the broader implications of using toxic materials in various industries.

Targeted Communities

The article is likely to resonate with librarians, historians, and those involved in book preservation and restoration. Additionally, it may appeal to a broader audience concerned with public health, environmental safety, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Market and Economic Implications

This news could influence companies involved in book preservation technologies or those producing materials for library collections. Stocks related to preservation and restoration services may see an uptick in interest as libraries consider investing in safer tools.

Global Power Dynamics

While this news does not directly impact global power dynamics, it reflects a growing awareness of health and safety issues in cultural preservation. It aligns with contemporary concerns about environmental health and safety, which are increasingly relevant in global discussions.

AI Influence

There is no explicit indication that AI was used in crafting this article, but the structure and presentation of information could reflect AI-assisted content generation tools that prioritize clarity and engagement. If AI were involved, it may have influenced the tone to be informative and captivating.

In conclusion, the article offers a thoughtful examination of a health concern related to historical book preservation while introducing a practical solution. The credibility of the content is supported by expert insights, although some elements may evoke stronger emotional responses than warranted by the actual risk.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/jun/06/tool-to-identify-poisonous-books-developed-by-university-of-st-andrews

A new tool to quickly identify books that are poisonous to humans has been developed by the University of St Andrews.

Historically, publishers used arsenic mixed with copper to achieve a vivid emerald green colour for book covers. While the risk to the public is “low”, handling arsenic-containing books regularly can lead to health issues including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat along with more serious side-effects. The toxic pigment in the book bindings can flake off, meaning small pieces can easily be inhaled.

In recent years, many libraries have prevented access to all suspect green books as a precaution, as testing has until now been costly and time-consuming. For example, the University of Bielefeld, along with several other German universities, isolated 60,000 books as a precautionary measure last year.

The new device can quickly and cheaply detect the presence of toxic pigment. “A device used in the School of Earth Sciences to detect minerals in rocks was the starting point,” said Pilar Gil, who led the research. “The Eureka moment was discovering the unique reflectance pattern from emerald green pigment in the visible spectrum. The idea was then to apply this discovery to an instrument which we could use and share with the sector.”

Two scientists from the university’s astronomy and physics school, Graham Bruce and Morgan Facchin, developed a portable tool. “Our device shines different colours of light on to the book,” said Facchin.

“The amount of light reflected at each colour is like a fingerprint of the pigment in the book,” he added. “Through extensive work using books from the university’s collections, our team have found a way to identify the fingerprint of emerald green on a book.”

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The handheld device can screen books to test for the pigment in a fraction of a second. “Our team has been asked to look at thousands of books, of which more than 100 have been identified as containing emerald green pigment,” said Bruce.

At St Andrews, emerald green books are stored in Ziploc polythene bags. “When the books are used, we check first if there are any other copies available which are not bound in emerald green,” reads the university’s website. “If not, the book is handled with special precautions such as the use of nitrile gloves.”

In the 19th century, arsenic and copper were often used to create a vivid green colour for clothing, wallpaper, paint and other products along with book bindings.

“The retention of green books from public view is not only a matter of safety, but it also restricts access to the information contained,” said conservator Erica Kotze, who instigated the project. “This means that the books which have been tested and found not to contain the pigment can remain available to users.”

A free exhibition exploring the project,Poisonous books – Dangers from the past, is running at the Wardlaw Museum in St Andrews until the end of July.

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Source: The Guardian