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Occupational health in fairy tales
Alice Rivolta1, Federica Arienti1, Derek R Smith2
1a Section of History of Medicine, Research Centre on Public Health, University of Milano Bicocca , Monza , Italy.
Abstract:
Myths and folklore, as expressions of popular beliefs, provide valuable information on medical knowledge in earlier times. Fairy tales have often recounted occupational maladies throughout the ages and also provide some insight into the toxic effects of certain metals, such as mercury. Much historical information can be gleaned from unexpected sources, and as such, fairy tales should be more carefully scrutinized by contemporary researchers with an interest in the historical origins of workplace injury and disease.
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