Old books can have unsafe levels of chromium, but readers’ risk is low
Some Victorian-era tomes coated in vibrant yellow pigments exceed exposure limits for the heavy metal
![A Victorian-era book titled Mohun is propped up to show it's deep yellow cover, which is decorated by a paler flower with green leaves and vines.](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/081624_sw_toxic-books_feat.jpg?fit=1030%2C580&ssl=1)
The yellow pigment coating this book contains lead and chromium compounds.
Kristi Jones/Lipscomb University