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SERVICES |
"Non Toxic Fumigation Methods" |
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Non Toxic Fumigation of Atrefacts Damage to artefacts by pests can be severe, and irreversible. In the past museums have used methyl bromide and a variety of other fumigants to control pest problems. However, many of these traditional methods of fumigation pose significant health risks, and have the potential to damage the materials that are being fumigated. (check More Information) In recent years a number of non-toxic methods of fumigation have become available including freezing and low oxygen fumigation. The method selected will depend on the size of the object to be treated, and the suitability of the method for the object. A basic outline of each method is listed below. Freezing The object is placed in a plastic bag, which is then sealed to prevent condensation problems upon thawing. The object is then placed in a freezer for the necessary length of time (normally three days to a week depending on object size and freezer temperature). Low temperatures may cause damage to some objects, so this method is not suitable for all artefacts. Low oxygen fumigation using an oxygen scavenger The object to be treated is placed in a bag made from a high barrier laminate film (a film with a low rate of transmission for oxygen). Packets of an oxygen scavenger are added to the bag (oxygen scavengers have been used for many years in the commercial food industry to prolong the life of stored foods). An indicator tablet, which changes colour from pink to purple when the oxygen concentration drops below 0.1%, is then added and the bag is sealed. The bagged object is then placed in a chamber that maintains a constant temperature. This treatment can take up to three weeks to kill insects. In the absence of a temperature-controlled environment, the length of time for fumigation may need to be extended. Nitrogen Flushing More Information |
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