When did mercury stop being used in hat making?

When did mercury stop being used in hat making?

1941
The condition is called “mad hatter disease” because it commonly affected hat makers in the 18th to 20th centuries. They used mercury in the hat making process and developed mercury poisoning. Fortunately, hatters stopped using mercury in 1941.

Were top hats made out of mercury?

The chemicals used in hat-making included mercurous nitrate, used in curing felt. Prolonged exposure to the mercury vapors caused mercury poisoning. Victims developed severe and uncontrollable muscular tremors and twitching limbs, called ‘hatter’s shakes’; other symptoms included distorted vision and confused speech.

Can mercury cause mad hatter’s disease?

Mad hatter’s disease is a form of mercury poisoning that affects the brain and nervous system. People can develop mercury poisoning by inhaling mercury vapors. Mad hatter’s disease is caused by chronic mercury poisoning. It is characterized by emotional, mental, and behavioral changes, among other symptoms.

What are the effects of mercury in hat making?

The chemicals used in hat-making included mercurious nitrate, used in curing felt. Prolonged exposure to the mercury vapors caused mercury poisoning. Victims developed severe and uncontrollable muscular tremors and twitching limbs, called ‘hatter’s shakes’; other symptoms included distorted vision and confused speech.

What was the process used to make hats?

At the peak of the industry, five million hats a year were produced in 56 different factories in Danbury. A process called ‘carroting’ was used in the production. Carroting involved washing animal furs with an orange-colored solution containing a mercury compound, mercury nitrate.

Why was Mercury known as the Mad Hatter?

In the old days, ventilation was often poor and the effects of inhaled mercury were not well understood, and many of the men who were felting the hats would inhale enough mercury to cause ill effects, hence the “mad hatter” syndrome.

Why was Mercury used in the felting process?

In times past, a mercury solution was commonly used in the felting process. Mercury nitrate was used in processing the animal hair that is used in making felt. It caused the fibers of the fur to separate from the pelt and to mat together more readily. This is called “carroting” (a name that might draw the interest of the March Hare).