ABSTRACT
In bulk form insecticides and other toxic chemicals are usually disposed of through high-temperature incineration. On surfaces decontamination is frequently accomplished through vigorous washing with caustic chemical solutions. Obviously, unique and fragile museum artifacts that have become contaminated with dangerous substances can not be subjected to either of these remedial measures without considerable risk of alteration, damage, or destruction. On the other hand it has long been know that organic molecules can be broken down through exposure to sunlight. This is most often observed as fading or bleaching. Although solar decontamination can be effective (e.g., in largescale oil spills), it is a very slow process. Further, just as solar radiation breaks down toxic chemicals, it decomposes organic materials such as the dyes, fibers and textiles that comprise much of the fabric of many museum collections. The common fading and deterioration of everyday wearing apparel is in part a consequence of this solar effect. With the invention of high-performance ultraviolet (UV) excimer lasers over thirty years ago it became technically feasible to accomplish high-speed photodecontamination (Radziemski, 1981).
