#19: The Perilous Reality Behind Movie Magic Snow

Before science uncovered its deadly risks, asbestos was a go-to material for everything from construction to movie magic—including as fake snow on film sets. Its fire resistance and affordability made it a Hollywood favorite despite its now-known carcinogenic properties.

The Wizard of Oz famously used asbestos-laced snow in the poppy field scene, unknowingly exposing actors to its hidden dangers. While no confirmed deaths from this exposure have been linked to the film, the hindsight is chilling. What once seemed like harmless movie magic now is a stark reminder of the unseen dangers lurking behind Hollywood’s golden age.