Shoe Polish That Worked – And Killed

Back in the Victorian era, shoeshiners made their living by buffing shoes to a high shine. However, the most popular shoe polish contained nitrobenzene – a toxic chemical that made leather gleam but slowly poisoned the workers.

Those regularly exposed to it suffered from dizziness, fainting spells, or even fatal poisoning. Many were clueless about the danger – sacrificing their health just to make boots sparkle.

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