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Airborne metals and microorganisms during work with historical books – Exposure and biomonitoring
Get PDFExposure to metals and microorganisms can pose health risks. Historical books often contain pigments withmetals, and fungi. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about exposure to eight metals and microorganismsin a library in Denmark. Personal exposure of staff handling historical books (high-exposure group) andindoor and outdoor air samples were collected in three well-ventilated sites of a library. Urine samples werecollected the next morning from the high-exposure group, a low-exposure group (colleagues not handling historicalbooks), and a reference group. Eight metals were measured in air and urine samples using inductivelycoupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Bacteria and fungal species were identified using MALDI-TOF MS.Personal exposure to metals was higher than in stationary indoor and outdoor air samples, particularly forarsenic (As), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), and some were spread to the indoor air. Personalexposure to As, Cd, and Hg showed a significant correlation with Pb levels. The overall indoor/outdoor ratio ofpersonal exposure exceeded 1 for all metals except antimony (Sb) indicating potential indoor source. Additionally,Cd and As concentrations in some urine samples exceeded Biological Limit and Guidance Values. Mostfungal species detected belonged to Aspergillus and Penicillium, and eight species are xerophilic. In conclusion,library staff were exposed to higher concentrations of metals as compared to outdoor air, warranting furtherresearch across different tasks and days for staff handling historical books to understand these risks better
The complex trajectories of heritage objects
No full textIn museums, objects are under constant scrutiny and surveillance. To keep and understand them, multidisciplinary teams of heritage scientists, historians and educators collaborate to unravel their physical and inherent cultural values. These scholars glean a myriad of results that, again filtered, they make available to mixtures of visitors, only a fraction of whom are acquainted with the making and meaning of the displayed objects. This chapter considers the complexities of dealing with these activities, whether hands-on or more intellectually, in relation to the complicated notions of cultural, sacred and secular values. A broad variety of philosophical and pragmatic approaches to keeping museum objects underscores how complex it can be to ensure that heritage objects can be viewed for the joy and inspiration they offer – sacred or secular – and without precluding pleasure and reflection, that they will also remain extraordinary resources for a broader understanding of civilization
Dutch and Flemish Painting at The Nivaagaard Collection
No full textA catalogue of the Dutch-Flemish early modern paintings in The Nivaagaard Collectio
Norse Greenlanders
No full textA very great deal has happened in the archaeology of Norse Greenland in recent decades, and the aim of the book has been to produce an overview of the wide range of results from recent research, which have given us many more pieces of evidence to juggle on how life was in the settlements from settlement in the late 10th century to the depopulation in the middle of the 15th century. In several cases have made it possible to re-assess the results of earlier scholarship in a new light. All of this has yielded greater insight into life in the medieval Norse settlements in Greenland
Unlocking sustainable cultural heritage preservation
No full textStatens Museum for Kunst (SMK) exemplifies a commitment to sustainability across various facets of cultural heritage preservation. In this abstract, we present a case study focusing on SMK's approaches to integrating sustainability principles into conservation practices.At SMK’s Department of Conservation and Scientific Research (BENA), sustainability is embedded in every aspect of its work. By prioritizing preservation, maintenance, and responsible resource management over mass production and disposal, BENA demonstrates a holistic approach to sustainable cultural heritage stewardship.The ongoing transition to the adoption of eco-friendly materials and practices is a cornerstone of BENA's sustainability efforts. For instance, participation in initiatives such as the "MOXY Project" underscores BENA's dedication to developing greener preservation methods, such as utilizing 'atomic oxygen' for cleaning cultural artifacts, thus minimizing environmental impact while ensuring the longevity of heritage objects.Furthermore, BENA actively participates in collaborative initiatives like the "Museums' Green Academy" facilitated by the Association of Danish Museums (ODM). Through projects like "Getting Climate Control Under Control," organized by Ki Futures, BENA engages in reducing operational costs and carbon footprint by regulating indoor climate and exploring energy-efficient solutions.SMK's commitment to adopting sustainable practices is especially reflected in the choice of moving part of its collection to a low-energy warehouse, built using the so-called Danish model. Denmark is a global leader in energy-efficient building design. The Danish building code enforces strict energy performance standards, ensuring that new buildings are highly insulated, airtight, and equipped with efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.Innovative solutions extend to courier tasks, where SMK explores alternatives to traditional courier travel. The introduction of virtual courier systems presents a promising avenue for reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation while ensuring the safe handling and transit of valuable artworks.Navigating the delicate balance between heritage preservation and environmental conservation presents ongoing challenges. Yet, SMK remains steadfast in its pursuit of a sustainable equilibrium, continuously evaluating and refining its practices to align with broader sustainability goals.SMK emerges as a frontrunner of sustainable cultural heritage preservation and aims to inspire museums worldwide to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their conservation endeavors.<br/
