How to Safely Handle Contaminated Cultural Heritage

Cultural objects made of wood, leather, textiles, botanical and other natural materials used to be treated with biocides to protect against pests and microbial infestation. While the toxicity of the first man-made substances used for this purpose in the 15th century (namely arsenic and mercury) was problematic but manageable, industrial production and widespread distribution, particularly in the second half of the last century, led to widespread use, leaving a dangerous toxic legacy.

Nevertheless, contaminated cultural heritage needs to be preserved and studied, and its art-historical significance often needs to be presented to the general public. Various professions - such as restorers, conservators, museologists, artists and scientists - work very closely with the objects. They have to take care to protect their personal health, especially as the toxic substances are not only present in the material and on the surface, but also in the dust and the air in the room. Many cultural objects, sometimes entire collections, as well as interiors, pose a significant risk that needs to be addressed in an informed manner.

In addition, from 2016, all activities involving contaminated objects will be subject to the Hazardous Substances Regulations. This requires collections to carry out risk assessments for all activities involving potentially contaminated objects and to implement protective measures.

Course Content

This web-based course is designed to inform the different professional groups on how to deal with potentially contaminated cultural heritage. Paper-based and archival objects are not included. The course provides background knowledge on how to properly assess risks and offers possible courses of action. Detailed explanations and numerous illustrations enable learners with little previous knowledge to participate. Literature references, tables and references to current standards and legislation complete the course.

• The first module provides participants with a basic knowledge of the relevant contaminants, their damage potential and areas of application.
• The second module deals with the diversity of potentially contaminated objects. Examples are used to teach participants about contamination pathways and their consequences, and to sensitise them to better assess potential contamination.
• The third module focuses on the basics of biocide assessment and presents improved investigation methods. Health risks can be better assessed if it is known to whom and under what circumstances certain substances are dangerous. It also shows which professional analytical methods should be commissioned once the situation has been assessed.
• The fourth module explains which personal, organisational and technical strategies should be followed when contamination is suspected or confirmed. Health and safety advice is also provided.
• The fifth module covers the basics of contaminant assessment and introduces strategic investigation methods. It should be possible to assess health hazards as adequately as possible: What is dangerous to whom and under what circumstances? It also introduces practical and professional analytical methods used by specialist laboratories.
• The sixth module discusses personal, organisational and technical strategies for dealing with suspected or proven contamination. Knowledge relevant to labour law is also explained. These remarks and the biocide products and application examples presented have been compiled on the basis of the factual situation in Germany. However, the basic knowledge provided is of interest to an international audience.

The Author

Roksana Jachim M.A. is a freelance conservator and also works as a research assistant at HAWK. She studied conservation/restoration of "Paintings and Polychrome Wooden Objects" at the HAWK in Hildesheim (Germany) for 5 years.

Contact

Queries can be sent to: fortbildung@hornemann-institut.de