History’s deadliest colors - J. V. Maranto
TED-Ed・2 minutes read
Marie and Pierre Curie discovered radium in 1898, which was initially used in various products but later found to be harmful due to radioactive effects, leading to a decline in its usage. Lead white pigment, popular since Ancient Greek times, caused lead poisoning in artists but was widely used for its qualities until the 1970s, when it was eventually banned alongside toxic synthetic green pigments like Scheele's Green and Paris Green.
Insights
- Marie and Pierre Curie's discovery of radium in 1898, initially celebrated for its restorative properties and used in various products, ultimately faced a decline in usage due to its harmful radioactive effects, highlighting the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of new discoveries.
- The historical use of toxic pigments like lead white and synthetic green pigments, despite their unique qualities, resulted in health hazards such as lead poisoning and arsenic poisoning, underscoring the significance of recognizing and addressing the dangers posed by seemingly beneficial materials to safeguard public health.
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Recent questions
What element did Marie and Pierre Curie discover in 1898?
Radium
What caused lead poisoning in artists who used it for paint?
Lead white pigment
What were Scheele's Green and Paris Green made from?
Cupric hydrogen arsenic