Outdated hygiene practices that are anything but clean

Shoe Polish Could Clean, But It Also Killed

Victorian shoe shiners earned a living polishing footwear until it gleamed. But their most popular product contained nitrobenzene, a toxic chemical that made shoes shine… but slowly poisoned those who handled it.

Frequent exposure to nitrobenzene caused dizziness, fainting, and even death. Many workers ignored the risks and sacrificed their health to keep boots spotless.