Health & Safety: Risk Management for Pesticide-Contaminated Collections
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Health & Safety Network Conservation Wiki
Copyright: 2020. The Health & Safety Wiki pages are a publication of the Health & Safety Network of the American Institute for Conservation.
Some of the information included on this wiki may be out of date, particularly with regard to toxicological data and regulatory standards. Also, because new information on safety issues is continually published, resources outside of AIC should be consulted for more specific information.
Contributors to this page: Kerith Koss Schrager, Tara Kennedy
The following resources will help create a risk management plan for the safe handling of pesticide-contaminated objects. Contamination includes all current pesticide treatments, legacy hazards from historic treatments, and toxic elements inherent to the collection.
For additional health & safety resources see, Health and Safety Technical Resources for the Conservator
Pesticide Identification Resources[edit | edit source]
Determining whether pesticide residues are present on objects can be difficult since the residues are often not visible to the naked eye.
- Chemical or analytical tests are required to confirm the presence of pesticides.
- Learn to recognize the types of collections that are commonly treated and the types of pesticides that are used on those collections.
- Keep in mind that organic ethnographic, taxidermied, and botanical collections were regularly treated with pesticides such as arsenic, mercury, and DDT.
Overview of Pesticides and Use in Collections[edit | edit source]
This web site defines pesticides, why and how they were used on Native American collections, current integrated pest management techniques, and pesticides and repatriation.
This web site discusses the history of pesticide use in collections, how to detect pesticide contamination of an object, symptoms of exposure to pesticides, and additional resources.
This web site lists a variety of resources about pesticides in the museum and agricultural industries.
This web site lists a variety of resources about pesticides with a focus on historical use and exposure.
- Pool, M. 2004. Health and Safety Technical Resources on Pesticides for the Conservator American Institute for Conservation.
Includes many resources on pesticides including pesticide directories, pesticides and museums, and pesticide use history.
- Rossol, M., and W. C. Jessup. 1996. “No Magic Bullets: Ethical Considerations for Pest Management Strategies,” International Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship 15 (2): 145-68.
This paper provides a cohesive and authoritative understanding of the ethical, legal, and regulatory aspects of pest management which must be considered when selecting treatments.
- Odegaard, N., et al. 2005. Old Poisons, New Problems: a museum resource for managing contaminated cultural materials Walnut Creek, CA : AltaMira Press.
A practical guide for identifying, testing, and managing collections that have been contaminated with pesticides, with a focus on repatriation.
- Charola, A. E. and Koestler, R. J. (eds.) 2010. Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation (Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press.
This workshop brought together conservators, scientists, and industry representatives to discuss complex issues surrounding pesticide removal from artifacts and to provide examples of the research and work performed at United States and foreign institutions.
Health Hazards Associated with Pesticides[edit | edit source]
- Krieger, R.I. and Krieger, W.C. (eds.). 2001. Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology, 2 volumes, Academic Press.
Second edition of this title. Covers general principles of pesticide toxicology, effects of pesticide classes, and data on 256 compounds that have documented human effects.
- Linnie, M.J. 1990. “Conservation: Pest Control in Museums: The Use of Chemicals and Associated Health Problems,” International Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship 9: 419-33.
Provides an overview to many of the chemicals currently used in museums and their documented health effects.
Pesticide Testing[edit | edit source]
- Odegaard, N., et al. 2000. Materials characterization tests for objects of art and archaeology. London: Archetype Books.
Literally the textbook for tests of all types of materials, including testing methods for arsenic, lead, and mercury.
- Sirois, P. J., et al. 2010. Detecting pesticide residues on museum objects in Canadian collections--a summary of surveys spanning a twenty year period.Collection Forum. 3324 (1-2): 28-45.
This compiled survey data of testing performed by the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) demonstrates twenty years of pesticide testing for Canadian museums. CCI has provided information that has assisted museums to develop proper handling and storage guidelines for objects in their collections: undergoing conservation treatments, being sent out on loan and used in exhibitions, for research, and for other purposes.
Exposure Assessment Resources[edit | edit source]
If pesticides have been identified, the next step is to conduct an assessment to define the severity of the contamination and the risks associated with handling, storing, and/or displaying the contaminated objects.
Consult an Industrial Hygienist or Safety Professional to determine the following:
- Can the contamination be contained or eliminated? If not...
- Determine how exposure risks can be identified and monitored, and
- Use exposure study results to decide feasible ways to remediate or control exposures
Find a Safety Specialist[edit | edit source]
Maintains listing of Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH) and professional certification criteria.
Directory lookup tool for industrial hygiene and OEHS professionals near you.
Maintains listing of Certified Safety Professionals (CSP & ASP) and establishes professional certification criteria.
Personal Monitoring[edit | edit source]
- Dermal Monitoring (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
- Dermal Exposure Monitoring (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
Environmental Monitoring[edit | edit source]
Exposure Studies[edit | edit source]
Remediation & Decontamination[edit | edit source]
In many cases,objects cannot be completely decontaminated and should be isolated to prevent contamination of cabinets, work spaces and exhibitions cases.
- Clean objects using a HEPA-vacuum for dust suppression or wash to remove contaminants
- Use a fume hood or trunk whenever possible
- Consult federal, state and local regulations for proper disposal of each type of pesticide on objects and materials—they may be EPA regulated hazardous waste
- Process specimens quickly to remove treatment hazards and cover during transport
Resources[edit | edit source]
Cleaning & Remediating Pesticide-Contaminated Objects[edit | edit source]
- Madden, O., et al. 2010. Pesticide Remediation in Context: Toward Standardization of Detection and Risk Assessment.Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation: Proceedings from theMCI Workshop Series. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press:1-6.
- Cross, P.S. et al. 2010.Aqueous α-Lipoic Acid Solutions for Removal of Arsenic and Mercury from Materials Used for Museum Artifacts.Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J.(eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation:Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 7-12.
- Hollinger, R.E. and Hansen, G. 2010. Discussion: Mitigation of Contaminated Collections.Charola,A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections:Science in Conservation: Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series. Washington,D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 65-70.
- Kaiser, R. 2010. Solvent Cleaning of Fragile Artifacts without Mechanical Agitation.Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation: Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 13-24.
- Reuben,P.A. 2010. Mitigation of Surface Contaminants on Haudenosaunee Medicine Masks.Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation: Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series.Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 25-28.
- Roane, T.M. and Snelling, L.J. 2010. Bacterial Removal of Mercury from Museum Materials: A New Remediation Technology?Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation: Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 29-34.
- Tello, H. and Unger, A. 2010. Liquid and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as a Cleaning and Decontamination Agent for Ethnographic Materials and Objects.Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J.(eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation:Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 35-50.
- Zimmt, W.S., et al. 2010. Pesticide Extraction Studies Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide.Charola,A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.). Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections:Science in Conservation: Proceedings from the MCI Workshop Series. Washington,D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press: 51-58.
- Zimmt, W.S., et al. 2010. The Potential for Adapting Some Cleaning Methodologies toPesticide Removal from Museum Objects.Charola, A.E. and Koestler, R.J. (eds.).Pesticide Mitigation in Museum Collections: Science in Conservation: Proceedingsfrom the MCI Workshop Series. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian InstitutionScholarly Press: 59-64.
Materials for Decontamination, Remediation & Isolation[edit | edit source]
- Conservation Resources Archival boards, films and foams, storage boxes, trays and HEPA vacuums
- Conservation Support Systems Personal protective equipment, archival storage supplies, plastic films
- Gaylord Archival boards, films and foams, storage boxes and trays
- Grainger Lab supplies, personal protective equipment, plastic sheeting, testing supplies and spill kits
- Talas Conservation supplies including personal protective equipment and HEPA vacuums
Hazardous Waste Disposal[edit | edit source]
SAFETY PROTOCOLS & TRAINING[edit | edit source]
Anyone who will be in contact with contaminated objects or areas must receive periodic training for handling,treatment and cleaning.
- Always wear and have in stock the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, respirators,lab coats,Tyvek suits and goggles that are approved for the identified contaminant
- Create a written plan describing safety protocols once a contaminated object has been identified
Resources[edit | edit source]
Safety Training[edit | edit source]
Personal Protective Equipment[edit | edit source]
Writing a Safety Plan[edit | edit source]
HAZARD DISCLOSURE[edit | edit source]
Learning to effectively communicate about hazards is an important step in safety in the workplace.
- Post warning signs for staff and visitors, alerting them to thehazard and required access procedures
- Learn legal and ethical practices for the disclosure ofpesticide-contaminated items that are going to be shipped,loaned or repatriated
- Get hazard identification from all lenders of collections,including your own staff
Resources[edit | edit source]
Hazard Communication[edit | edit source]
Loaning, Shipping and Repatriation[edit | edit source]
- Contaminated Collections: Issues for Tribes and Museums (California Department of Parks and Recreation)
- Odegaard, N., et al. 2005. Old poisons, new problems: a museum resource for managing contaminated cultural materialsWalnut Creek, CA : AltaMira Press.
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