History’s deadliest colors

Part 1. Match the highlighted words to its definitions.\

1. A glowing, luminous green, it was also used in beauty products and jewelry.\
2. Unfortunately, radium isn’t the only pigment that historically seemed harmless or useful but turned out to be deadly.\
3. Though we still occasionally run into issues with synthetic food dyes, our scientific understanding has helped us prune hazardous colors out of our lives.\
4. To make their paint, artists would grind a block of lead into powder, exposing highly toxic dust particles.\
5. But lead white’s density, opacity, and warm tone were irresistible to artists like Vermeer, and later, the Impressionists.\
6. Two synthetic greens called Scheele’s Green and Paris Green were first introduced in the 18th century.\
7. They were far more vibrant and flashy than the relatively dull greens made from natural pigments.\
8. The intense toxicity of these green stayed under wraps until the arsenic recipe was published in 1822.\
9. During World War II, the U.S. government confiscated all uranium for use in bomb development. However, the atomic energy commission relaxed these restrictions in 1959, and depleted uranium returned to ceramics and glass factory floors.

A. reduced
B. to make something into small pieces or a powder by pressing between hard surfaces
C. producing or reflecting bright light, especially in the dark
D. to happen in a particular way or to have a particular result, especially an unexpected one
E. made from artificial substances, often copying a natural product
F. impossible to refuse, oppose, or avoid because it is too pleasant, attractive, or strong
G. energetic, exciting, and full of enthusiasm
H. extreme and forceful or (of a feeling) very strong
I. to cut off branches from a tree, bush, or plant, especially so that it will grow better in the future; to reduce something by removing things that are not necessary

Part 2. Watch the video and answer the following questions.

1. In 1898, Marie and Pierre Curie discovered radium. Claimed to have restorative properties, radium was added to ____, ____, ____ and ____.\
2. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, we realized that radium’s harmful effects as a ____ element ____ its visual benefits. \
3. That lamentable distinction includes a trio of colors and pigments that we’ve long used to decorate ourselves and the things we make: ____, ____ and ____.\
4. In humans, lead is directly absorbed into the body and distributed to the : __, __ and ___. \
5. [one to two words for each blank] Once in the ____, lead mimics and disrupts the normal functions of ____, causing damages ranging from ____ to ____.\
6. But lead white’s ____, ____ and ____ tone were irresistible to artists like Vermeer, and later, the Impressionists. Its glow couldn’t be matched, and the pigment continued to be widely used until it was banned in the 1970s. \
7. In humans, exposure to arsenic can damage the way cells communicate and function. And high levels of arsenic have been directly linked to ____ and ____. \
8. As a result, 18th century fabric factory workers were often poisoned, and women in green dresses reportedly ___ from exposure to arsenic on their skin. Bed bugs were rumored not to live in green rooms, and it’s even been ___ that Napoleon died from slow arsenic poisoning from sleeping in his green wallpapered bedroom.

Part 1 Answers:

1. C\
2. D\
3. I\
4. B\
5. F\
6. E\
7. G\
8. H\
9. A

Part 2 Answers:

1. toothpaste, medicine, water, and food\
2. Radioactive, outweighed\
3. white, green, and orange.\
4. blood, soft tissues, and mineralized tissues.\
5. nervous system, calcium, learning disabilities, high blood pressure\
6. density, opacity, and warm\
7. cancer and heart disease\
8. Collapsed, speculated

Worksheet_on Google Drive

Video_on Google Drive

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