Recently, the University of Warwick has announced plans to start restoring a significant historical document. As part of a new international programme, the university has gained access to the document after it had been lost for over 70 years.
The document is said to contain details about the travels, investments, and adventures of Italian travellers in India in the medieval period. Researchers hope it will give fascinating insights into the ways that our ancestors lived and interacted with each other.
First, however, professional restorers will have to meticulously stretch, mend, clean, and stabilise the parchment. Not only does this intricate process present risks to the document, but it can also lead to health and well-being concerns for the restorers. This is where fume and dust extraction for restoration plays a vital role.
Above: The lost document.
Image Credit: University of Warwick
The Importance of Fume and Dust Extraction for Restoration
Fume and dust extraction systems are set to play an invaluable role in the restoration of the lost documents at the University of Warwick. These systems are designed to capture and remove harmful pollutants from the air, ensuring a clean and safe workspace. They help to protect both employees and documents from the detrimental effects of airborne contaminants.
How Restoration Extraction Systems Ensure Safety
As many researchers will know, historical artefacts and documents can carry harmful spores that can be extremely damaging to health. During the process, restorers might encounter:
- Mould Spores: Mould is a common issue in damp or poorly ventilated environments. It thrives on organic materials such as paper and parchment, breaking them down over time. Inhalation of mould spores can cause respiratory problems allergic reactions, and exacerbate conditions like asthma.
- Fungal Spores: Similar to mould, various types of fungi can grow on historical materials. Their spores can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
- Bacterial Spores: Some bacteria form spores that can survive harsh conditions, including those found in archival settings. Exposure to bacterial spores can lead to infections or allergic reactions.
- Dust Mite Allergens: Dust mites are microscopic organisms that thrive in dust, which often accumulates on old documents and artefacts. Their faeces and body fragments can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms in sensitive individuals.
- Pollen: Pollen from plants can be present in archival materials, especially if they have been stored in natural settings or exposed to outdoor air. Pollen allergies can cause respiratory discomfort and allergic reactions.
The chemicals used in document restoration can also be dangerous.
There is a wide range of chemicals that are used in document restoration, from chlorine bleach and hydrogen peroxide to lift stains to adhesives for repairing tears and deacidification agents like magnesium oxide.
Inhaling these substances can be extremely dangerous for the health and well-being of restorers and researchers. For example, extended exposure to chlorine bleach can cause chest tightness, pulmonary oedema, and potentially severe respiratory disease. Meanwhile, many adhesives contain volatile organic compounds that can evaporate and be inhaled. Depending on the specific chemicals used, inhalation can cause headaches, dizziness, and, in some cases, allergic reactions.
This highlights the importance of fume and dust extraction in document restoration.
Ensuring the well-being of employees is paramount in any restoration environment. Extraction systems significantly reduce exposure to harmful substances, creating a healthier work atmosphere. Improved air quality not only safeguards employees’ health but also enhances their productivity and overall job satisfaction.
As some readers will be aware, it’s also a legal requirement to protect your employees from the risks we’ve discussed above. Failure to do so can result in significant repercussions for your organisation.
Protecting Valuable Documents with Fume and Dust Extraction for Restoration
Pollutants aren’t just harmful to human health; they can also wreak havoc on delicate historical documents. Mould spores can cause paper to become brittle and discoloured. Dust particles can settle on surfaces, leading to abrasion and wear. In addition, the chemicals used in restoration can react with inks and pigments, causing fading and discolouration.
By maintaining a clean and controlled environment, the lifespan of documents is prolonged, ensuring that they remain intact and readable for future generations. Extraction systems also help to maintain the structural integrity of bindings, preventing them from becoming weak and brittle over time.
Looking for Restoration Fume and Dust Extraction Systems?
At VODEX, we’re proud to provide a wide range of solutions for artefact restoration and education centres. Protecting employees and their projects is a crucial cornerstone of our values, which is why we offer a range of products perfect for this application.
For example, the VODEX VX1 Extraction Unit has multipurpose fume and light dust capabilities, making it perfect for protecting you and your work from adhesive fumes, solvent fumes, and harmful dusts.
Above: The VX-PRO500.
Or, for a more high-capacity dust extraction option, consider the VX-PRO500 extraction system. This product features reverse flow technology, a digital speed control, and 24v start/stop function making it perfect for a wide range of dust extraction solutions.
If you want to find out more about the products we offer for restoration, then click here. Or feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your specific needs.
