EVALUATION OF DISINFECTION TECHNIQUES FOR THE CONSERVATION OF POLYCHROME SCULPTURE IN IBERIAN MUSEUMS

Abstract

Insect infestation is a serious problem in museum collections in Spain and Latin America. This paper investigates the efficacy of modified atmospheres as an anoxant for museum pests, using wooden objects including polychrome sculptures infested by Cerambycidae and Anobiidae species. Insects of long life cycle have been found to be very resistant to carbon dioxide atmospheres. However, inert gases such as argon and nitrogen used in plastic barrier bags effectively eliminated insects in all stages of development. No chemical alteration was observed in the treated materials, including polychromy. These treatments are in progress in a project for biodeterioration control in countries with both tropical or subtropical and Mediterranean climates.

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