This installation from the BBC’s Hidden Killers series documents the innovations and discoveries of the Edwardian period (1901-1914), and the resulting dangers that were inadvertently introduced into families of the period. Host Suzannah Lipscomb meets with several history experts to learn more about this experimental phase of history and its implications for modernity.
Known as the “First Age,” the Edwardian era brought many major technological advances, including the first mass-produced automobile, the first successful flight of an airplane, and the widespread use of electricity. Unfortunately, Edwardian society knew a lot about the risks of overloading electrical sockets and the toxicity of many of the gases and powders in use at the time. Noting that lack of understanding is a key factor in many preventable injuries and deaths, Lipscomb enlightens viewers on the role of toxic substances in the home in the past, including asbestos, ammonia and ether, among others.
Also known as the “women’s progress” era, more and more women entered the workforce and, as a result, used electronic devices to ease household chores. However, items like early refrigerators had serious design flaws that allowed deadly and flammable gases to leak into the air and lungs of the average household. Not only do the devices pose certain risks, but both male and female workers wear them on their clothing at home, exposing their families to toxic substances. Asbestos was first used in industry, where factory dust stuck to uniforms and infected domestic washing machines.
Aesthetic trends also pose a threat to the public. Makeup became popular after the “all natural” trend of the Victorian era, but many contained ingredients that had unwanted side effects such as hair loss and corneal damage. Female pattern baldness is common because it’s either burned by curling irons or killed by dangerous chemicals to color it. Radium became a popular novelty because of its luster. Items such as irradiated socks, underwear, chocolate, toothpaste and even water are available for public consumption.
The Secret Killer at Edwardian House reveals the origins of many products still in use today and leaves viewers wondering what modern technologies and trends we might be abusing to our potential detriment right now.
