The Green Wreath and Dress Mongers: A Cautionary Tale And Toxic History of The Color Green

 

     Due to the toxic nature of copper arsenic greens, the history of the color green has become a reminder of death and danger. The New Dance of Death-The Green Wreath and Dress Mongers serves as a cautionary tale and toxicity of the color green. 

     In a world before easily synthesized color, there was actual gold at the end of the rainbow. In 1775, Carl Wilhelm Scheele experimented with arsenic and produced a green pigment out of copper arsenites. These copper arsenic greens are pigments, but used to color fabrics. The vibrant and eye-catching green captured the imagination of designers and consumers alike. From fashionable garments to luxurious wallpapers, and other products that the demand for green-dyed products skyrocketed.

     Little did people know at the time that these seemingly harmless green dyes concealed a deadly secret. The pigments derived from copper arsenites contained arsenic, a highly toxic substance. Arsenic is known to be lethal in various forms, and most deadly in arsine gas, arsenite, and arseate.

     One of the most alarming aspects of copper arsenic greens is their transformation into poisonous gas when exposed to moisture. Imagine wearing a green-dyed garment or sleeping in a room adorned with green wallpaper, unaware that every breath you take could expose you to lethal fumes. The dangers were not immediately apparent, and countless individuals unknowingly fell victim to the toxic effects of copper arsenic greens.

     Workers in textile factories were particularly vulnerable to the dangers of copper arsenic greens. They handled these pigments daily without proper protective measures, resulting in chronic exposure to arsenic. Many suffered from debilitating health issues, including respiratory problems, skin ailments, and even organ failure. Tragically, some workers paid the ultimate price, succumbing to the toxic effects of prolonged exposure. Symptoms of arsenic poisoning include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death. 

     The true extent of the risks associated with copper arsenic greens became evident over the years. Yet, it’s still in use into the 20th century. Today, we shudder as we look upon this dark era, a stark reminder of the fake beauty and insidious ugliness that lay hidden beneath the facade of the color green.

    Scheele’s green hue might have revolutionized the textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the dark side forever altered its perception. The history of copper arsenic greens has transformed the color green into a poignant symbol of tragic historical death and danger. 

The Ugly Renaissance: 
Sex, Greed, Violence and Depravity in an 
Age of Beauty. 

Uncover the hidden underbelly of the Renaissance, 

as this captivating book exposes the dark side of an 

era renowned for its artistic beauty, revealing tales 

of sex, greed, violence, and depravity.

. 

The Secret Lives of Color 

Embark on a vivid journey through the captivating history of colors. From vibrant pigments to deadly hues, this enchanting book explores the lesser-known stories and fascinating secrets behind our favorite shades, including the mysterious and sinister past of the color green.

Fashion Victims: The Dangers of Dress Past and Present 

Step into the treacherous world of fashion history, where clothing choices have often come at a deadly cost. From toxic fabrics to hazardous fashion trends, this intriguing book unveils the dangers lurking behind our desire to be stylish.

The Prisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York.

Immerse yourself in the gripping true tales of murder, poison, and the birth of forensic medicine. Set against the backdrop of Jazz Age New York, this captivating book unravels the thrilling investigations that revolutionized crime-solving, shining a light on the deadly consequences of human greed and deception.