In the 19th century, arsenic was sometimes used in production. In this case, it is not recommended to wet your fingers on your tongue when turning the pages.
After it became known a few days ago that the Bielefeld University library blocked the lending of tens of thousands of books due to suspicions of arsenic, the Austrian National Library (ÖNB) no longer issues books with green details from the 19th century. They were previously tested for arsenic at the in-house restoration institute, the ÖNB general director told ORF.
Initial investigations have already been carried out on a small number of books. No arsenic was discovered. Many books do not need to be checked. The selection of green-bordered books is quite limited, it was said. Checks are also being carried out at the University of Vienna library. The Vienna Library of the City Council intends to hand over the corresponding objects for restoration and emphasizes that many of the works are already available digitally.
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 volumes contain green residue and fingers are moistened with the tongue to turn the pages, the dust may contain arsenic and is inhaled, or arsenic comes into contact with the eyes while handling the volumes.