Poisonous Wall Papers

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 9, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 15.

Poisonous Wall Papers.

THE question of the poisonous effects produced by the use of arsenic in wall paper has frequently come before the public of late. During the past week investigation by the Health Board has proved that arsenic is used in the manufacture of wall paper in large enough quantities to produce disease.

The Medical Record of recent date, commenting on the use of arsenic, says: "From inquiry we have made there can be no doubt that, with one exception, all grades of colored wall papers manufactured in the United States contain more or less arsenic. This practice of introducing a poisonous substance into a covering for walls is the more reprehensible from the fact of its being totally unnecessary. One firm in London, England, and one in New York produces wall papers having the most varied and brilliant coloring, which have not even a trace of arsenic in their composition, and there appears to be no reason for other manufacturers using poisonous colors, except that by doing so they make a higher profit.

"Arsenical colors are strong, and about one-half the price of non-arsenical colors, and herein lies the secret of their persistent use by wall-paper manufacturers; and it appears to us that the action of the Legislature is called for to put a stop to the practice. The public appears to be under the impression that arsenical poisoning from wall papers is due to portions of arsenic in powder being dusted off the walls. Such is not the case; the chief danger lies in the fact that in damp weather the arsenic undergoes decomposition, and forms, in combination with other substances present, arseniuretted hydrogen, which diffuses in the room, and, being a deadly poison, causes sickness to the inmates. This form of arsenical poisoning is more to be dreaded than that from the particles removed by attrition; the latter, however, is also a source of danger to health."

Chemistry affords a ready test as to the presence of arsenic. Place the suspected green material in a solution of ammonia (aqua ammoniæ). The chemical substance that produces the green tint is arsenite of copper, and the liquid will acquire a blue tint from the disengagement of the oxide of copper from its combination with the arsenic. If further test be desired, a few drops of the colored ammoniacal solution poured upon crystals of nitrate of silver will leave on the crystals a deposit of yellow arsenite of silver.—Sel.