Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home (2014)
In this captivating documentary series, Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the seemingly innocuous world of the Edwardian home, revealing the perilous secrets that lurked behind its elegant façade. Set against the backdrop of a new era and a fresh monarch, the Edwardians were relentless in their pursuit of the latest gadgets and products.
The second installment of the Hidden Killers series takes us on a chilling journey through the Edwardian era in Britain. With the assistance of experts in history and science, Dr. Lipscomb uncovers the must-have items that unwittingly transformed homes into hazardous death traps.
- Electricity: The Edwardians embraced the marvel of electricity, with over 600 companies supplying this newfound wonder product. However, there were no regulations in place, and cables remained uninsulated. Appliances lacked proper grounding, leading to electrocutions and fires that made headlines.
- Asbestos: In their quest for fireproof materials, the Edwardians stumbled upon asbestos. Unfortunately, this seemingly safe substance turned out to be lethal. Asbestos socks and other products found their way into British homes, leaving a legacy of health consequences.
- Radioactive Clocks and Arsenic Soap: If navigating the dangers of electricity and asbestos wasn’t enough, the Edwardians also embraced radioactive clocks and washed their faces with arsenic-infused soap. These untested products had unforeseen and dire effects.
Dr. Lipscomb and her team bring these hidden killers frighteningly to life, shedding light on an era where health and safety standards were nonexistent. As we watch, we realize that some of us still live with the consequences of our Edwardian forebears’ enthusiasm for the untried and the perilous.
Hidden Killers of the Edwardian Home is a Modern Television production for BBC Four, a chilling reminder that even the most elegant homes can harbor deadly secrets.
