Air quality criteria for storage of paper-based archival records

Abstract

Criteria for temperature, relative humidity, and gaseous and particulate contaminant concentrations are proposed for spaces used for storage and preservation of paper-based archival records.The criteria are based on available information from the literature, and recommendations of the January 19-20, 1983, National Bureau of Standards Workshop on Environmental Conditions for Archival Storage.Methods are discussed for meeting these criteria.Air quality criteria are proposed for different categories of archival storage.Factors to consider in the design of archival storage facilities are addressed and recom- mendations made to aid in the design of environmental conditioning systems for these facilities.A review of literature describes the damage that may be caused by high temperature, high and low relative humidity, and air pollutants to paper-based records.Results of measurements of temperature, relative humidity, air exchange rate, and gaseous contaminant concentrations (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ozone) in the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., are presented.These measurements are compared with those made in other buildings having controlled environments.

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