Biological deterioration of cultural and heritage properties

What is biodeterioration of cultural property and heritage?

The conservation of cultural property requires precautions to be taken because the fight against mould is an ongoing challenge, whether in archives, libraries, museums or historical monuments.

A wide variety of cultural property may be involved

Among other things, we list:

  • Art objects
  • Paintings or drawings...
  • Printed books, libraries, archives
  • Papers, handwritten notes, parchments, incunabula...
  • Stone elements, sculptures, architectural elements

The sources of deterioration are also multiple

Bacteria, fungi, insects, rodents can cause damage. The most widespread in storage rooms and on documents are fungi and in particular moulds (i.e. microorganisms with filamentous development). Lichens and algae can also cause damage, especially on porous materials.

Microorganisms are present everywhere: soil, water, animals, humans and are likely to damage cultural property. They immobilize collections and can pose a health risk to visitors and staff.

Mould growth

The development of germs depends on many factors:

  • Factors related to the microorganisms themselves (their species, interactions between microorganisms)
  • Ecological factors: temperature, pH, composition of the atmosphere. Since dust is their source of nourishment, it is essential to eliminate it.
  • Moisture Factor: Bacteria are the most water-demanding micro-organisms. Microscopic fungi have more variable water requirements.

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