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In the 19th century, a substance known as arsenic earned a macabre reputation. Often referred to as “the inheritance powder” or “the poison of choice,” arsenic became synonymous with danger, deceit, and death. This toxic element had a profound impact on society during the Victorian era, leaving a trail of suffering and intrigue.
Arsenic was used as an industrial chemical, with many applications in manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine. It served both as a rat-killer and a medicinal powder. Its ubiquity led to widespread contamination, with many people unknowingly exposed to its dangers.
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The minimal regulations governing the use of chemicals gave manufacturers the freedom to experiment with various substances, including toxic ones. In addition to cosmetics, arsenic threatened the health of entire families because it was used as a fixative for bright colors in fabrics, upholstery, and wallpapers. Never-fading, highly saturated colors were a novelty in the early Victorian era.
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It is estimated that a Victorian living room decorated with brightly-colored wallpapers could contain as much as four pounds of arsenic. The consequences of exposure to arsenic varied in severity. Breathing in airborne particles of arsenic could irritate the respiratory system and lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. Extended exposure to arsenic, whether through skin absorption or accidental ingestion, could result in more serious health problems. These included chronic skin conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and, in severe cases, arsenic poisoning that produced severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hair loss, skin discoloration, and, in the worst cases, an extremely painful death.
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As the 19th century progressed, efforts were made to replace arsenic-containing compounds with safer alternatives and to legislate its use. This included the development of less toxic pigments and the use of other chemicals for pest control.
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Related post:
Health: Why You Wouldn’t Want to Live in 19th Century
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Very interesting. Excellent illustrations.
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love me some sheeles green
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