They didn't have solid data, just anecdotes. But AI says: Arsenic had several uses in Louisiana and the United States in and before 1841, primarily in household, medicinal, industrial, and artistic contexts, rather than in agriculture. Arsenic was commonly found in wallpaper, candles, clothing, hat ornaments, painted toys, and coal. Its vivid pigments made it popular for decorative purposes, despite its toxicity. Arsenic was sometimes present in beer, wine, and sweets, either as a contaminant or due to the use of arsenic-containing dyes or preservatives. Small doses of arsenic compounds were used therapeutically. Some early forms (such as powders) were available and may have been used in small-scale pest control before 1841.
So if the cases were polio, arsenic could have contributed, as the author theorized.
Do you prefer to believe that viruses don't exist?
The author set that outbreak aside apparently for lack of solid data.
AI says: While the 1841 Louisiana outbreak is acknowledged in medical history - especially as it relates to polio - solid, detailed data such as case counts, mortality rates, or demographic breakdowns are lacking. The information that exists is primarily based on later historical review and interpretation rather than comprehensive contemporary records.
So it's apparently not certain if the outbreak was polio or if there was any toxic exposure that might have contributed to it.
AI says: Arsenic had several uses in Louisiana and the United States in and before 1841, primarily in household, medicinal, industrial, and artistic contexts, rather than in agriculture. Arsenic was commonly found in wallpaper, candles, clothing, hat ornaments, painted toys, and coal. Its vivid pigments made it popular for decorative purposes, despite its toxicity. Arsenic was sometimes present in beer, wine, and sweets, either as a contaminant or due to the use of arsenic-containing dyes or preservatives. Small doses of arsenic compounds were used therapeutically. Some early forms (such as powders) were available and may have been used in small-scale pest control before 1841.
Do you prefer to believe that viruses don't exist?
Why did we set aside the Louisiana outbreak in 1841 "for now" and never come back to it?
Does it just mess up your theory too badly?
They didn't have solid data, just anecdotes. But AI says: Arsenic had several uses in Louisiana and the United States in and before 1841, primarily in household, medicinal, industrial, and artistic contexts, rather than in agriculture. Arsenic was commonly found in wallpaper, candles, clothing, hat ornaments, painted toys, and coal. Its vivid pigments made it popular for decorative purposes, despite its toxicity. Arsenic was sometimes present in beer, wine, and sweets, either as a contaminant or due to the use of arsenic-containing dyes or preservatives. Small doses of arsenic compounds were used therapeutically. Some early forms (such as powders) were available and may have been used in small-scale pest control before 1841.
So if the cases were polio, arsenic could have contributed, as the author theorized.
Do you prefer to believe that viruses don't exist?
The author set that outbreak aside apparently for lack of solid data.
AI says: While the 1841 Louisiana outbreak is acknowledged in medical history - especially as it relates to polio - solid, detailed data such as case counts, mortality rates, or demographic breakdowns are lacking. The information that exists is primarily based on later historical review and interpretation rather than comprehensive contemporary records.
So it's apparently not certain if the outbreak was polio or if there was any toxic exposure that might have contributed to it.
AI says: Arsenic had several uses in Louisiana and the United States in and before 1841, primarily in household, medicinal, industrial, and artistic contexts, rather than in agriculture. Arsenic was commonly found in wallpaper, candles, clothing, hat ornaments, painted toys, and coal. Its vivid pigments made it popular for decorative purposes, despite its toxicity. Arsenic was sometimes present in beer, wine, and sweets, either as a contaminant or due to the use of arsenic-containing dyes or preservatives. Small doses of arsenic compounds were used therapeutically. Some early forms (such as powders) were available and may have been used in small-scale pest control before 1841.
Do you prefer to believe that viruses don't exist?