"I also came across a couple of studies regarding the use of Tea Tree Oil
(Melaleuca alternifolia) and its ability to eliminate conidial spores, (the
mould typically found in library and archive material). Has anyone got any
thoughts or experience about using this for decontaminating quarantine rooms?
Obviously it would not be used on the contaminated items themselves and would
be thoroughly rinsed off the worktops before reuse. I am interested because it
could be safer for both the user and the environment."
Deborah Farndell ACR
Cambridge University Library
Deborah,
An analysis of Tea Tree oil will vary from batch to batch as any natural plant
extract will, but it contains a flock of chemicals similar to turpentine, pine
oil, citrus oil (d-limonene) and related chemicals. Some of them, like limonene
are known sensitizers. Limonene is also an EPA registered pesticide.
One of the analyses I have from some years ago is the following:
Chemical percentage
-------------------------------------
terpinen-4-ol 40.2%
gamma terpinene 20.5%
alpha-terpinene 10.2%
1,8-cineole 3.6%
alpha-terpinolene 3.6%
alpha-terpineol 3.1%
alpha-pinene 2.4%
p-cymene 2.2%
limonene 1.1%
aromadendrene 1.1%
delta-cadinene 1.0%
sabinene 0.6%
globulol 0.3%
viridiflorol 0.3%
-------------------------------------
90.2%*
* The other 9.8 % consists of small amounts of about 30 chemicals about which
which little is known.
This is an acutely toxic and sensitizing chemical mixture similar to
turpentine. And some of the oilier trace chemicals are likely to persist.
If you do use it, like all chemical products used in museums, you should have
an analysis or complete ingredient list.
Monona Rossol, M.S., M.F.A., Industrial Hygienist
President: Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc.
Safety Officer: Local USA829, IATSE
181 Thompson St., #23
New York, NY 10012 212-777-0062
[email protected] www.artscraftstheatersafety.org
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