Environmental Monitoring Kit

Introduction

The damaging effects of an uncontrolled environment on artifacts and art objects are well known. There are many examples where low humidity has caused wood or ivory to crack and where high light levels have faded textiles and watercolours with fugitive dyes and pigments.

Unfortunately, intuitive assessments such as, "These lights appear to be too bright," or, "It feels dry in this exhibition room," are not sufficient to determine exact environmental control requirements. Accurate information is essential to evaluate the extent and urgency of any environmental problem. It is only after collecting the data can the exact solution to the problem be determined.

The equipment needed to monitor the environment is relatively expensive, and may be beyond the budget of many institutions. Although less expensive instruments for this purpose do exist, they often lack the accuracy and sensitivity to monitor the conditions in museums adequately.

The CCI's Preventive Conservation Services Division makes available the necessary instruments to help museums and galleries monitor their environments for a nominal fee of $50.00.

Environmental Monitoring Kit

The Environmental Monitoring Kit includes the necessary instrumentation for measuring the four most important environmental factors:

• relative humidity
• temperature
• illumination level
• ultraviolet (UV) radiation level.

The Kit consists of three hand-held instruments: a motor-driven psychrometer or electronic humidity/temperature probe, a lux meter, and a UV monitor. A psychrometric slide rule and an instruction manual are also included. The manual, includes instructions on preparing a schematic diagram of your facility as well as photographs of the equipment is written in such a way that those who are unfamiliar with the equipment can obtain accurate readings. If problems arise,

Environmental Monitoring Kit is available for loan periods of three weeks.

Recording Equipment

For situations where continuous long-term monitoring of relative humidity and temperature is required, CCI also lends recording hygrothermographs and electronic data loggers. These may be borrowed for periods of up to six months, depending on availability.

The recording hygrothermograph produces an immediate visible trace of the temperature and relative humidity throughout the monitoring period. The data logger, although it is much smaller and more robust, does not allow the data to be examined until downloaded into a computer after the monitoring has been completed. In the case of clients who borrow the data loggers, CCI will download and print the data when the equipment is returned, then send the results to the client.

Data Interpretation

Correct interpretation of the data is essential in order to understand what is taking place and to consider possible measures to address any problems. Relevant peripheral information necessary for correct interpretation may include the type of collection involved, the HVAC system, the access to the collection (e.g. is this a seasonal museum), and the ability to make changes to the equipment, environment, or practices. Clients can request assistance in the interpretation of temperature and relative humidity data by contacting Preventive Conservation Services.

How to Borrow Monitoring Equipment from CCI

To borrow an Environmental Monitoring Kit, a recording hygro-thermograph, or a data logger, telephone or write to:

Preventive Conservation Services
Canadian Conservation Institute
1030 Innes Road
Ottawa ON  K1A 0M5
Tel.: (613) 998-3721
Fax: (613) 998-4721

You will receive an information letter and a loan agreement form that sets out the terms and conditions of the loan. Shipping and insurance of the equipment to the borrowing institution and back to CCI are the responsibility of the borrowing institution.

For those who are considering purchasing environmental monitoring equipment, a list of equipment, distributors, and approximate prices is available from CCI on request.

Further Reading

1. Thomson, Garry. The Museum Environment . 2nd ed. London: Butterworths, 1986.