Microbial control by low oxygen and low relative humidity environment

Most fumigants used for disinfection of contaminated art collections are toxic compounds which can also damage the treated objects. To avoid these problems, an approach to control microbial activity on museum objects has been developed employing an inert gas, nitrogen, and low relatIve humidity. A method based on the use of a 14C labelled radioactive tracer has been applied for evaluation of microbial development on parchment samples selected as experimental material. This technique does not require the isolation and characterization of microorganisms involved in the decomposition processes. The method of microbial control that we have investigated is safe, non invasive, and can reduce further chemical alteration of the substrate, including photooxidation.