Controlled atmospheres against insect pests in museums: a review and some considerations

Abstract

-Controlled atmospheres using nitrogen represent a safe and effective method for both objects and human health. The use of this technique against pests in museums has received an increasing amount of interest during the last twenty years. This paper looks at the researches into anoxic treatments that use nitrogen from the late '80s until now. At the moment, the recommended protocol suggests an oxygen percentage below 1% for at least three weeks. Considering that the major practical problems of controlled atmospheres are connected to treatment time and low oxygen percentage, it is very important to develop more flexible protocols that consider higher oxygen percentages or shorter treatment times, exploiting temperature and/or relative humidity. At oxygen percentage higher than those commonly used, temperature and relative humidity are very critical to insects' development and success. Preliminary data (unpublished) show that it is possible to adapt the application of the controlled atmospheres to different situations, taking advantage of favorable conditions already present in the considered situation and at the same time to use the other parameters at more favorable levels.

Insect Pests and Integrated Pest Management in Museums, Libraries and Historic Buildings

“…Physical treatments are achieved due to freezing [ 33 , 34 , 35 ], controlled heating [ 36 , 37 ], microwave radiation [ 38 ] or gamma radiation of the objects. However, not all materials and objects can be treated with these methods, for more delicate objects and mixed materials anoxic treatments are preferred [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]. Low oxygen atmosphere is achieved using Nitrogen, Argon or anoxia treatments with oxygen scavengers in small bags.…”

The Case History of an Insect Infestation Revealed Using X-ray Computed Tomography and Implications for Museum Collections Management Decisions

“…Thus, the museum staff needed to make a formal proposal to the lender for the treatment of the objects. The museum staff reviewed treatment suggestions from the Entomology Department and a fine arts conservator, and considered several methods of treatment, including freezing the objects or placing them in an anoxic environment and using nitrogen gas to exterminate the insects [10][11][12]. Heating the work to an extreme temperature to kill the termites was not considered, as that approach would have a negative effect on the wood and gilding.…”

Innovative Methodologies for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage against Biodeterioration: A Review

“…However, it is crucial to highlight that not all materials can be suitably treated using these methodologies. For delicate objects, anoxic treatments [59,60] are preferred, creating a low-oxygen atmosphere through nitrogen or argon-based approaches.…”