ABSTRACT
Atmospheric particulate matter and gases play an important role in the deterioration of buildings, monuments and artworks (Camuffo 1998, Grossi & Brimblecombe 2002). Some of the substances cause soiling and become a part of a process that causes degradation of the artwork. It is essential to know which kind of particles and gases are present in the study place in order to make informed decisions regarding the cleaning and preservation of the cultural heritage items. In museums, different methods are employed to reduce the soiling and damage rate. These include: reduce ventilation, increase the effectiveness of particle filtration, reduce the particle deposition velocity onto surfaces of concern, place objects in showcases, and eliminate indoor particle sources. Potential damage could take the form of chemical degradation due to deposition of airborne particles, particularly those containing black carbon and/or organic material. Studies have shown that the sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) found in outdoor air can penetrate the ventilation systems of museums, with consequent risk of damage to the collections (Hughes & Myers 1983).
