What Damages Artifacts?
The environment under which artifacts are cared for can greatly improve or destroy their ability to survive. Factors that can lead to damage are insects, temperature and humidity levels, excessive light and cleaning. Insects… Insects are attracted to areas that are moist and dark. One common insect that can be found in dark storage areas of museums is the silverfish. Unlike its name implies, it does not look like a fish. Silverfish Range from 9.5mm to 13mm Silverfish attack paper products such as newspapers, books, and manuscripts. Removing insects is simple but time consuming. Insects can be removed by: a) vacuuming, b) poison bait traps, and c) controlling humidity levels with a dehumidifier. Light… Light is a great destroyer of textiles. Exposure to light (sun, light bulbs, flash bulbs) will fade and embrittle fibres – which can never be repaired. Exposure to long periods of light is even more damaging. When in storage, objects should be placed in complete darkness. If on displa
