Victorian, Old Wallpaper-Careful it could have Arsenic!

It started around 1775 when a Swedish chemist came up with a brilliant green.  Bright colors were appealing because it brought brightness to a dreary home. Remember electricity hadn't been invented. This green was named after the creator, Scheele's Green. Also known as Paris Green. The green was described as true to nature's foliage. It was used on fake flowers for realism and of course artists used it too! British wallpaper manufacturers including very popular and still considered the ultimate in designer wallpaper, William Morris used it. In fact Morris' son never accepted Scheele's Green was poisonous. It turns out this green was used in a ton of things and it made it to the USA.
I am posting this article to bring awareness to collectors and DIY remodelers.  There are articles out there explaining the lethal toxicity of touching wallpaper sample books and others with Scheele's Green in it.
Historians have now questioned historically popular people's death because of high levels of arsenic found. No joke many adults and children died from the wallpaper in their home but, it took a long time for doctors to convince government and the public. Some articles state it was not until the 1840's some countries banned the green but, William Morris did not cease until the 1880's. The color was used over 60 years!
As a dealer and collector I will definitely be steering clear of any vibrant green items from this deadly era. I would definitely halt any remodeling in an old home from the time frame showing bright green wallpaper. Like asbestos it should not be taken lightly and calls for expert advice and removal. Like asbestos and lead it probably best not to peal back layers and disturb. However, I will tell you I found almost nothing in a 10 minute search about removal of this paper. That is scary! I would consult someone who removes lead and asbestos for help.


More reading: https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2018/05/02/scheeles-green-the-color-of-fake-foliage-and-death/
Pictures of green dresses and a paint can https://www.esquiremag.ph/the-good-life/pursuits/paris-green-history
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/29082603-bitten-by-witch-fever