Fake Silk: The Lethal History of Viscose Rayon

by Paul David Blanc

When a new technology makes people ill, how high does the body count have to be before protectives steps are taken?

This disturbing book tells a dark story of hazardous manufacturing, poisonous materials, environmental abuses, political machinations, and economics trumping safety concerns. It explores the century-long history of “fake silk,” or cellulose viscose, used to produce such products as rayon textiles and tires, cellophane, and everyday kitchen sponges. Paul Blanc uncovers the grim history of a product that crippled and even served a death sentence to many industry workers while also releasing toxic carbon disulfide into the environment.
 
Viscose, an innovative and lucrative product first introduced in the early twentieth century, quickly became a multinational corporate enterprise. Blanc investigates industry practices from the beginning through two highly profitable world wars, the midcentury export of hazardous manufacturing to developing countries, and the current “greenwashing” of viscose as an eco-friendly product. Deeply researched and boldly presented, this book brings to light an industrial hazard whose egregious history ranks with those of asbestos, lead, and mercury.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Environment

327 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2016

Reviews

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an accessible, well-written book that deftly mixes cultural history, scientific treatise, reportage, and the narratives of illness and the cost of innovation. It should appeal to a wide cross-section of readers, from public health policy makers to medical practitioners and anyone interested in the practical and ethical considerations of technology and innovation. So, look beyond its intimidating title, and give this one a try. You'll not only learn a lot, but you might just really enjoy it too! #NetGalley

[Albert · Rating 2 out of 5]

221 pages of beating the same dead horse that large companies tried to ignore the dangers of carbon disulfide.

[Victor Soupene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I think this is a well written book on the hazardous process of producing rayon and cellophane. I was anticipating more information regarding the health effects of carbon disulfide and less about the business operations but thought that this book was comprehensive, detailed, and well-researched.

I think the author does a great job of driving home the message of considering how the process of producing materials - like using carbon disulfide in this case - may produce hazardous conditions for workers. It is making me think twice about products I purchase and what workers are exposed to in the process of making goods that I take for granted every day.

[Linda Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look into the industry of "viscose", "rayon", "artificial silk", "imitation silk" or "fake silk". Slow going because it is fairly technical in parts, but it was an interesting look "behind the scenes" if you will about the good & the bad (though more bad than good, I'm afraid) from the beginning of the industry to modern times. Really got more interesting once I reached Chapter 5 (I think it was 5, anyway). Overall, a well-written, well researched, and in-depth look at the fake silk industry over the years.

[Sam Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great first 20 pages or so, then pretty boring. Blanc's academic-like commitment to cataloging every available incident or study is impressive but incredibly dry. The book both lacks the human center of most good science communication and doesn't provide the strong themes you'd find in good history.

[Angelo Farrugio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un tessuto che ha vestito il Mondo a poco prezzo, ha anche avuto il tragico merito di fondare la Medicina del Lavoro