Hazards in Collections
The Alliance has compiled this set of resources on hazards in collections from throughout the nonprofit and museum sector.
Arsenic and Old Lace: Controlling Hazardous Collection Materials
Arsenic Spot Tests for Detection in Taxidermied Collections
Smithsonian Center for Materials Research and Education shares a tip sheet on how to conduct arsenic spot tests.
Chicago Artists Resource provides articles from Art Hazard News about numerous collections hazards, general safety tips, and health resources.
Biocides in Museum Collections
International Council of Museums compiles resources on biocides in museum collections which includes papers on pesticide mitigation, objects contaminated with pesticides and a bibliography on biocides in museums.
This chapter from the Smithsonian’s safety manual includes information on various roles and responsibilities, hazard identification and risk assessment, risk controls, and fire protection information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Contaminated Museum Collections
The Department of the Interior created this list of FAQs to answer questions about objects that may have toxic elements that could contaminate other items or staff.
Hazardous Materials in Museum Collections
The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material shares an article that explains types of hazardous materials, where to look for hazards and safety procedures for handling hazardous materials (PDF, 26 pages).
How to guide: hazards in museum collections
The UK Collections Trust posted this Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service guide to hazards in museum collections that covers everything from pesticides and biological hazards to risks and includes a handy do and don’t list. (PDF, 8 pages)