The Surprisingly Deadly History of Colors

For centuries, we've adorned our lives with color, often unaware of the hidden dangers lurking within certain pigments. From vibrant greens to luminous oranges, some of history's most captivating shades have a dark side. Let's delve into the past and uncover the stories behind history's deadliest colors.

The Alluring (and Lethal) White

As early as the 4th century BCE, the Ancient Greeks were using lead to create a brilliant white pigment. This "lead white" became a staple in paints and cosmetics, prized for its opacity and warm tone. However, the beauty came at a steep price.

• Lead is readily absorbed into the human body, wreaking havoc on the nervous system.
• It disrupts calcium function, leading to a range of health problems, from learning disabilities to high blood pressure.
• Artists who worked extensively with lead white suffered from "painter's colic," now known as lead poisoning, experiencing symptoms like palsies, melancholy, and even blindness.

Despite these known dangers, lead white remained the go-to white pigment until the 19th century. Its unique glow was irresistible to masters like Vermeer and the Impressionists. It wasn't until the 1970s that lead white was finally banned, a testament to its enduring appeal despite the risks.

The Treacherous Greens

The 18th century saw the rise of synthetic greens, namely Scheele's Green and Paris Green. These pigments were far more vibrant than their natural counterparts, quickly becoming popular in paints, textiles, wallpaper, and even food decorations. But their dazzling appearance concealed a deadly secret: they were made from cupric hydrogen arsenic.

• Arsenic exposure disrupts cellular communication and function.
• High levels of arsenic are linked to cancer and heart disease.
• Factory workers who handled these green dyes were frequently poisoned.
• Women wearing green dresses reportedly collapsed due to arsenic exposure on their skin.

Rumors even circulated that bed bugs avoided green rooms, and some speculate that Napoleon's death was caused by slow arsenic poisoning from his green wallpapered bedroom. The toxicity of these greens remained largely unknown until the arsenic recipe was published in 1822. A century later, it was repurposed as an insecticide, highlighting its potent toxicity.

The Radioactive Orange

Before World War II, manufacturers commonly used uranium oxide in ceramic dinnerware glazes to produce brilliant reds and oranges. The vibrant colors were appealing, but they came with a hidden cost: radiation.

• Radiation exposure and its associated cancer risks were not well understood until the late 1800s and later.
• During World War II, the U.S. government confiscated all uranium for bomb development.
• After the war, depleted uranium returned to ceramics and glass factories.

Orange dishes made in the following decade, particularly vintage Fiestaware, can still register as radioactive. While the levels are generally considered low enough not to pose a significant health risk when displayed, the U.S. EPA advises against eating food off of them.

A More Informed Palette

While we still encounter issues with synthetic food dyes, our scientific understanding has significantly improved our ability to identify and eliminate hazardous colors from our lives. The history of these deadly colors serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific awareness and responsible innovation.