Assessing the Effects of Pesticidal Chemicals on Historic Textiles
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English Slovak |
| Online Access: | http://www.viks.sk/chk/ppthav_333_343.doc |
| Abstract: | Summaries. In protecting textiles from insects, concern arises for the damage that the pesticidal chemical itself may cause to the textile object. A preliminary study was undertaken to assess this. Cotton and wool were each dyed with four natural dyestuffs. The dyed fabrics were exposed to pesticide-related chemicals for varying periods. Chemicals used were CCl4 (fumigant), dichlorvos (pest strip), petroleum distillate spray (carrier), and boric acid dusting. Instrumental color-imetry was used. There was no color change from CCl,f except for safflower-dyed wool after three years. Dichlorvos-treated samples varied, with some exhibiting a slight change. Petroleum distillate was hardly visible; most residue dissipated with no color change. Boric acid deposits were visible, but lessened after three years. Exceptions were strong color change on some wool samples. Breaking strength also was determined. Contact of the cotton by CClt resulted in degradation. Conclusions. These experiments to determine color change and strength loss through use of pesticidal chemicals were intended to illustrate that such treatments and conditions may or may not be harmful to historic textiles. No overall generalizations can be made since the findings indicate that specific effects are attributable to fiber type, dyestuff, and pesticide treatment. In most cases, no long term color changes resulted, but in selected cases, very noticeable changes remained after three years. Certain color and strength problems discussed earlier with the use of boric acid and CC14 were attributable to direct contact of the chemical with the fabric. If care is taken that contact does not occur, their possible use may be condoned for control of infestation. Petroleum distillate used alone appears safe, as determined by color and strength measurements. However, in normal use it would be combined with small quantities of other ingredients, in which case the safety is further dependent upon the ingredients added. The test samples treated with dichlorvos showed little or no change of color or strength. These results do not give unequivocal answers to the safe use of pesticidal chemicals, especially on antiquated and/or degraded materials, or for very lengthy periods. However, the experimentation illustrates how such chemicals can be tested under carefully controlled conditions and any changes in color or strength numerically assessed. Combined with prior experience, surveys and ongoing testing of pesticides by museum conservators in the field, the laboratory evaluations provide an important guide for specific recommendations of pesticide use with museum textiles. The authors recognize several limitations of this preliminary study, along with suggestions for further work. The current research has focused only on cotton and wool textiles. Other materials such as leather, feathers, or plastic may be not necessarily amenable to similar conclusions. The general scope of the research should be expanded to include the manmade or aniline type dyes that were used increasingly in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Likewise, there are numerous pesticides and fumigants, presently in use or suggested for use by conservators, which should be included in such controlled exposure type testing. There are unresolved questions that could not be answered in this work, but would benefit from further study. For example, how much color change occurred in the dyed, control sample itself, independent of any pesticide exposure? Was there any dye-fabric interaction that would have resulted in a change of color with time? Is there a rigorous, uncomplicating means of accelerated aging the dyed fabrics prior to pesticide exposure? In this latter regard, most museum materials will have already "aged" fifty or one hundred years before they might be subjected to a serious pesticide regimen, e.g., for control of an infestation. Lastly, there are external factors of operator safety, plus local, state, and federal regulations, which must be considered by all researchers, conservators, or other users of pesticidal chemicals. The best cure for insect attack is effective prevention. Careful, periodic inspection, housekeeping, and judicious use of pesticides can be valuable in preventing the need for heroic but potentially dangerous measures to the collection should a full infestation develop and strong treatment be prescribed. Awareness of the insect problem, attention to preventive maintenance, and a working relationship with a knowledgeable expert in textile/museum pest control are vital. |
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| ISBN: | ISBN 0-8412-0553-1 |
