I would heartily agree with Gretchen. Our IPM strongly discourages the
use of any pesticides and then only in extreme cases and under strict
guidelines do we fall back on PDB (for which there is MUCH literature
describing the health risks for long-term exposure). Regarding the use
of camphor, I recently had a conversation with a director of a major
European ethnographic museum who has had long-term exposure to
collections treated with camphor who experienced a tightening in her
chest the second I opened a cabinet of fur clothing that was
apparently treated with camphor by the original owners. Just because
something is described as "natural" doesn't necessarily mean it has no
associated heath risks. Just look at the literature associated with
"natural citrus" cleansers and pine-based cleaners.
Use your IPM concepts of avoidance (prevention), detection, response
and recovery and you should be able to have a healthy, pest-free
collection AND maintain your health!
My 2-cents.
Angela
On Jan 14, 2009, at 9:33 AM, Gretchen Anderson wrote:
It is best to avoid pesticides completely. PDB is a pesticide with
health risks for both staff and the collection. While I have never
used camphor, I would be concerned about it also, especially in
combination with residues from formerly used pesticides. Entomology
collections can be successfully frozen, following standard IPM
protocols (double bagging, -20 deg C.). That, together with
monitoring, and good housekeeping should keep your collection safe.
Good luck
Gretchen Anderson
Conservator
Science Museum of Minnesota
651-221-4764
[email protected]
www.smm.org
Angela J. Linn
Collections Manager, Ethnology & History
University of Alaska Museum of the North
907 Yukon Drive
P.O. Box 756960
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6960
TEL: (907) 474-1828
FAX: (907) 474-1987
www.uaf.edu/museum
Accredited by the American Association of Museums
------------
Secretary, Registrars Committee - Western Region
