Organische und anorganische Schadstoffe: Untersuchungen in Magazinen des Niedersächsischen Landesmuseums Hannover

Indoor pollution in cultural institutions is of particular importance. On the one hand it is essential to provide a healthy indoor climate for museum staff and visitors, on the other hand cultural assets have to be protected against deterioration. Building materials, preservatives and other products are possible sources of a number of hazardous compounds. Systematic measurements of indoor pollutants in storage rooms of the Lower Saxony State Museum Hanover have been accomplished. Concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde and organic acids in ambient air were determined by active sampling and chemical analysis. Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and selected elements were examined by sampling and analyzing settled dust. The nuclear radiation of selected minerals were checked out. The climatic conditions were recorded as well. Most of the VOCs detected in the ambient air are associated with packaging and building products used for furnishing magazines and for building exhibition cases. The results have been evaluated with regard to possible adverse effects both on human health and on works of art