ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Organic acids, mainly acetic and formic, are known to be significant pollutants in the museum environment. These acids are emitted from construction materials, such as wood, paints, varnishes, etc. and cause degradation and corrosion of several materials such as metals. This research presents a case study of the measurements of these acids and its corrosivity in the Oteiza museum in Navarra, Spain. Two display cases were selected where passive sampling was carried out for measuring the concentration of these acids while copper and lead coupons were exposed to evaluate the corrosivity of the atmosphere. Results showed that acids concentrations were elevated and significant corrosion products were found on the metals surfaces. Based on these results, the museum conservator has implemented corrective measures to reduce the concentration of these acids. This collaboration between conservator and conservation scientist is the base to take efficient preventive conservation measures for assuring the museum collections.
