Insect Control with the Fumigant Vikane
New research into the adverse effects of pest control agents, especially Vikane, on museum objects and structures
Project Details
- Category
- Years 1986 – 1990
- Status
- Organizer
About
Goal
The Insect Control with Fumigant Vikane project aimed to investigate potential adverse effects of pest control agents on the materials of museum artifacts and historic structures, especially the fumigant Vikane. In collaboration with the Canadian Conservation Institute, the Conservation Analytical Laboratory of the Smithsonian Institution, and others, the project sought to assess the potential damage of Vikane to modern and traditional resins and waxes pigments, as well as metals.
Background
In 1986 the Getty Conservation Institute began to investigate potential adverse effects of pest control agents on the materials of museum artifacts and historic structures, especially the sulfuryl fluoride—SO2F2—sold commercially as the fumigant Vikane. Research sought to assess the potential damage of Vikane to modern and traditional resins and waxes pigments, as well as metals.