Mercury was formerly used in making felt hats (like beaver hats) to separate the fur from the pelt. Mercury is harmful to the central nervous system ( hence the phrase " mad as a hatter"). Patty Rickard
________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of Penny Ladnier Sent: Sat 10/28/2006 4:25 PM To: h-costume Subject: [h-cost] Harmful Fabrics I am putting online a fashion terms dictionary from 1894. I came across asbestos being used in fabrics. What are some of the other past fabrics or dyes that have been found to be harmful to the wearer? I am worried now because I am working with a large fashion collection at the university. I came across a bonnet lined with wool that I am allergic too. I broke out in a rash and was sneezing uncontrollably. Here is the definition from the book: Asbestos : A fibrous variety of a mineral substance, composed of separate filaments, with a silky luster. Its fibers are sometimes flexible and elastic, sometimes stiff and brittle, and when reduced to a powder are soft to the touch. It is incombustible, and the fine qualities have been spun and woven into gloves, shrouds, cloth for firemen's suits, lamp-wicks, roofs, floors and for various other fire-proofing purposes. Its feeble consistency has always has always been the chief obstacle to its general use among textile fabrics. It was mined in 1894 in Canada, Vermont, Virginia, South Carolina and on Staten Island, New York. Penny Ladnier, Owner, The Costume Gallery Websites www.costumegallery.com www.costumelibrary.com www.costumeclassroom.com www.costumeencyclopedia.com _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
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