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Author
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Topic: What is the best relative humidity for artifacts?
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JBoe
Member Posts: 959
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 01-04-2016 06:17 AM
   
As many of you know, this time of year is extremely dry and I know dry is particularly good for collections. However, what is too "dry" as well as too "wet?" What is the best percentage for humidity to compensate for the winter dryness? Right now I'm running around 38 to 40% relative humidity. Thanks! |
space1
Member Posts: 853
From: Danville, Ohio
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 01-04-2016 07:47 AM
I can't give you an authoritative number but the rule of thumb is, if the air is comfortable for people, it's good for artifacts. My guess would be 40-60% RH. Below 40% is most likely not a problem unless an artifact has brittle fabric.Another consideration is not to seal an artifact indefinitely from fresh air. Gas is released by some materials such as rubber. The gas can further degrade the material (as was found with Apollo gloves, for example). For storage the recommended practice is to create a micro-climate for the artifact with archival materials in contact with the artifact. The fabric could loosely wrap around the artifact with desiccant to limit the relative humidity. |
JBoe
Member Posts: 959
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 01-04-2016 11:54 AM
Thanks for the advice! I didn't consider the sealing of certain artifacts could result in deterioration from its own gases. I have a large medal/medallion collection that I have in air-tite capsules. Some of my other hardware is inside The Container Store Amac boxes. Hopefully those boxes will allow for some sort of circulation. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4437
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 01-04-2016 08:17 PM
Check with a conservator... optimum humidity will depend on the types of materials, components, chemical compounds utilized in the objects fabrication. |
JBoe
Member Posts: 959
From: Churchton, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 01-04-2016 08:23 PM
Thanks! Maybe I'll contact Dr. Valerie Neal via Kelly Bloom at NASM for archival assistance. |
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