Sustaining Books and Papers in Hawaii s Environment Malia Van Heukelem, UHM Hamilton Library Hawaii Library Association - October 27, 2017
Outline Environment Monitoring Temperature and Humidity Insects Mold
Preservation environment is determined by collection type in context with the local climate, building envelope, and HVAC systems. Image Permanence Institute (IPI) Sustainable Preservation Practices webinar 2/6/13
Climate: Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) in partnership with Penn Libraries: http://www.ccaha.org/publications/technical-bulletins
Dew Point: contrary to what seems logical, when warm air is cooled, humidity rises
Mold growth based on Dew Point for Honolulu, 2016
Environmental monitoring: continuous Datalogger [PEM2 from IPI] eclimatenotebook software graph [IPI]
Environmental monitoring: weekly Hygrothermograph
Spot Checking: psychrometer & Elsec 765 Psychrometer Elsec 765 monitor: Temp/RH/IR/UV
Different collections have different needs Mixed collections guidelines: 67-72 F +/-2 and 45-55% RH +/-5% Special collections: lowest temperature achievable while maintaining humidity below 50% Generally, cooler and drier is best for most
What if our air-conditioning breaks or can t dehumidify?
Environment - Best Practices Image Permanence Institute https://www.imagepermanenceins titute.org/
Pests Termites Cockroaches American German Silverfish Beetles Bookworms cigarette, drugstore Carpet & hide (dermestid) Booklice Moths Bed bugs Spiders Geckos Rats
Outdated practice - toxic chemical fumigation Ethylene oxide Methyl bromide Hydrocyanic gas Carbon disulphide Methyl formate, etc. Photo Credit: istock.com [via newsday.com]
Hawaii Chemical: DDT Book Insect Repellent recipe, 1954
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practical approach that relies on low toxicity methods to pest control: Inspection & Monitoring Identification Habitat Modification Treatment (freezing, anoxia, bait & trap, fumigation) Prevention
Termites
Cockroaches
Silverfish
Book Beetles
Cigarette beetles
Trapping, Monitoring & Identification HoyHoy Trap-A-Roach (sticky traps) for monitoring Use Dekko Silverfish Traps in areas silverfish are seen Pest sightings and droppings should be logged to monitor for infestation Unidentified insects can be photographed sent to the MuseumPests.net listserv
Treatment & Prevention: Freezing Set-up a quarantine area Incoming materials should be put in ziplock or clear garbage bags and monitored for 3 weeks. If there are no droppings, should be okay. For infestations, seal in a double bag and freeze in a home or chest freezer, for a minimum of 3 weeks. Allow bagged materials to acclimate 2 days in the bags following freezing to prevent condensation from forming on materials.
Freezing steps Holding Room Freezer Cleaning
Mold & Fungi Consumes material it grows on Grows at sustained humidity above 65% Accelerates at higher temperatures Thrives with poor air-circulation
Symptoms for mold sensitivity Nasal stuffiness Eye irritation Wheezing Skin irritation Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath People with chronic lung illnesses, may develop mold infections in their lungs http://www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm
Safety First! PPE = Personal Protective Equipment HEPA = High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter Vacuum
Coping with mold Modify environment to prevent future outbreaks it s futile to clean mold and put items back in the same conditions Use personal protective equipment (PPE): disposable respirator, gloves, goggles, long sleeves and pants (wash with bleach) HEPA filter vacuum with clean & dirty work areas, Simple Green D- 3 for shelves (hospital grade cleaner)
Cleaning Mold Before After
Monitor for threats and report them Insect infestations Mold Water leaks
Mahalo! Malia Van Heukelem Call 956-5734 or send follow-up questions to maliavh@hawaii.edu