Guideline 18.3

Back to Main Catalogs Page
Back to Exhibition Standards & Guidelines Table of Contents
Back to complete list of Exhibit Design Phase standards
Back to STANDARD 18: Mitigating Pollutant Hazards

The following Standards and Guidelines are a work in progress intended to spur discussion between exhibit personnel, conservators and other museum professionals. Please check back in the future as information is added to expand on the Guidelines without currently active links.
If you are interested in contributing to or commenting on this text please contact the AIC e-Editor

Guideline 18.3: Museum policies protect objects from particulates and chemical pollutants

What museum practices can assist in protecting objects from particulates and chemical pollutants?

[Placeholder ideas; needs amplification & revision]

• Smoking is prohibited inside the building
• Smoking is prohibited outside the building near air-intake vents
• Windows are kept shut
• Timely repairs are performed on broken windows and on dried putty and caulking around windows and doors to eliminate cracks, which admit dirt
• Housekeeping keeps dust and particulates to a minimum
• Policy of using object-safe materials, whenever possible, throughout museum
• Caution in the use of chemical sprays for cleaning
• Caution in use of chemicals for pest control (For more information on recommended methods of pest control, see STANDARD 20: Preventing Pest Damage).
• Dedicated space is provided for exhibit construction to reduce particulates and pollutants in the exhibit location
• Appropriate training provided to staff to ensure HVAC is functioning correctly, and there is timely renewal of filters and pollutant absorbers.
• Ongoing costs for housekeeping, and for maintenance and renewal of pollution controls and equipment is included in museum’s operating budget.