Hidden Household Killers of 19th Century England

In this episode, we discuss the most shocking revelations from "Hidden Killers of the Victorian Home." This BBC documentary examines the household products and innovations that killed so many people during the Victorian era (1837 to 1901). These products exposed the growing middle class to toxic chemicals, explosions, infections, and other dangers that resulted in bodily harm and death. It's an excellent warning regarding the threats to human life produced by unregulated profit-driven capitalist industries. 

You can watch the documentary here. It was written and narrated by Suzannah Lipscomb -- an historian, author, broadcaster, and teacher at the New College of Humanities.

Other Sources:
- BBC News - 10 dangerous things in Victorian/Edwardian homes
- Five hidden killers of the Victorian home


EPISODE COCKTAIL: VICTORIAN GIN PUNCH

¼ lemon, peeled and juiced

2 tsp sugar

2 oz gin

⅓ oz orange liqueur

3 oz seltzer

For a party (12 servings)

3 lemons, peeled and juiced

½ cup sugar

3 cups gin

½ cup orange liqueur

1 liter (about 4 cups) seltzer

Muddle lemon peel with sugar, let steep 2-3 hours, pour lemon juice over peels, stir till dissolved, transfer to short stemmed punch glass (or a pitcher if your doing party punch). Fill half of class/pitcher with ice, then add gin, liqueur and seltzer. Enjoy!