Indoor Air Quality Solutions for Museums, and Historic Storage

The most common inorganic pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ozone, and nitric and hydrochloric acids, enter the museum environment through a variety of mechanisms, including oxidation of other trace gases, off-gassing from sealants and vulcanized rubber, and equipment operation.  

Major pathways of volatile organic compound formation in museums include the evaporation of solvents, off-gassing from construction or furnishing materials and objects in the museum, and byproducts of degradation from museum objects 

These objects may sustain damage because of 

• Uncontrolled temperature
• Relative humidity
• Rust and dirt
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Gaseous pollutants, such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde
• Everyday chemicals and solvents

Temperature and humidity are also the common causes of deterioration, if not controlled, accelerates the chemical reactions that causes the deterioration of sensitive objects. Dust and dirt contamination causes artifacts to discolor.  

Gaseous pollutants may cause significant and irreversible deterioration of artifacts, metals, historic records, photographs, and marble through chemical reactions. Particles given off by paints, varnishes, cleaning chemicals, and solvents from everyday museum operations can penetrate items on exhibit. 

National Air Filtration Association® (NAFA) recommends that nitrogen dioxide levels should not exceed 2.6 ppb, ozone levels reach no higher than 2.0 ppb, sulfur dioxide levels remain below 1ppb, and formaldehyde levels stay at or below 4ppb. Recommended prefilters should be ASHRAE MERV 8 or higher, with fine particulate filters being ASHRAE MERV 15 or higher.  

AAF also offers HEPA and Gas-Phase filters for enhanced protection, as well as software applications to design a specialized solution for individual spaces within your museum. AAF recommends multiple-stage filtration systems to protect museum objects. 

Optimize Your Filtration and Improve Your Museums, Archives, Art Galleries, And Historic Storage Environment 

A thorough audit of your air filtration system is the first step that AAF recommends providing you with professional guidance and analysis for cost savings and liability reduction opportunities.  

By conducting this audit, we document your current state and advise you on how your facility could perform better, helping you save money, save time, and reduce risk. After this evaluation, AAF can design custom solutions to provide carefully controlled environments for any museum or historic preservation setting.  

Contact your AAF representative to schedule an audit and to find out how the insights from intelligent data tools, including TCO Diagnostic® and Sensor360®, can improve operational outcomes and save you time and money.