The Danger of Toxic Taxidermy

A diorama at the American Museum of Natural History. Image by Thomas Quine.

Taxidermy is a common feature at any science museum or nature center. Technology and techniques change with time, and until around 1980 it was common for taxidermy to be coated with arsenic to prevent insect damage. This has created numerous problems for both museums and private collectors who have taxidermy in their homes. 

A sample of powdered Arsenic Trioxide.

Arsenic is famous for its toxicity but also has many industrial applications. It is used in glass manufacturing, mining, metallurgy, and even in construction. Taxidermy is a favorite meal of common household (and museum!) pests like silverfish, carpet beetles, and clothes moths. In taxidermy, a process was developed hundreds of years ago in which an arsenic-based insecticidal soap was applied to the inside of an animal’s skin before mounting. Sometimes an arsenic powder was applied to the outer fur or feathers as well. This method might keep pests away, but humans might also find themselves at risk.

A large dose of arsenic can kill a human quickly if swallowed but inhaling arsenic is no walk in the park either. Medical studies done on workers exposed to airborne arsenic show that it can cause throat pain and lung irritation. Over the long term, inhaling arsenic prompts an increased rate of cancers such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, and skin cancer. 

The danger that arsenic poses depends on two factors: Level of exposure and duration of exposure. Inhaling large portions of arsenic over a short time will cause the most immediate harm, but lower rates of exposure across years raise rates of cancer too. Scientists have been able to find no safe level of exposure to arsenic. This is a major problem where old taxidermy is concerned.

Taxidermy displayed safely behind a case at the Bruce Museum’s Amazon Rainforest Exhibition.

Arsenic easily absorbs through the skin and touching old taxidermy should be rigorously avoided. Moving taxidermy is also dangerous. Arsenic can easily become airborne in dust particles any time a treated object is moved or handled. Museums mitigate these risks by keeping older taxidermy in cases and sometimes individually bagging contaminated specimens. Staff gear up with nitrile gloves, an N95 mask, and a protective apron or smock when they must interact with old taxidermy.

How do we know if a taxidermy specimen is infused with arsenic? White powder near the eyes or mouth of a mount is a solid indicator of arsenic presence. There are also arsenic detection tests that can be used. Unfortunately, neither of these methods are foolproof. An object that tests negative for arsenic one year might test positive a few years later and not all treated specimens have visible white powder.

People who collect vintage taxidermy or inherited pieces from relatives would do well to strongly consider borrowing museum handling practices. Any taxidermy made prior to the 1980s should be assumed to contain arsenic. Risks are relatively low if you only have a few older taxidermy pieces in the home but it all depends on how you handle and store them. Ideally, all vintage taxidermy should be kept within a case. Old taxidermy should never be touched without protective gloves and a face mask. A trash bag can be put over old taxidermy for an extra level of security during transportation. 

Keep yourself safe and contain your old taxidermy! Image by Yarl.

Air movement near old taxidermy should be minimized to keep arsenic dust from lifting into the air. Pets and children should never have access to old taxidermy as they may put interesting bits of feather or fur in their mouths and instantly receive a dangerous dose. Remember- these methods may make it safer to have or handle old taxidermy in your home, but any dose of arsenic will increase risks of cancer, and effects accumulate with repeated exposure!

Old taxidermy can be striking and wonderful for historic value and can still be enjoyed if handled carefully. We’re just very glad that modern taxidermists have less deadly options available to them!

Kate Dzikiewicz, Science Curatorial Associate