ANALYS OCH IDENTIFIERING AV BEKÄMPNINGSMEDEL I HISTORISKA TEXTILIER

Abstract

This essay will investigate the risks associated with pesticide contamination in textile collections and how information about pesticide content can be found. Uniforms from the collection of the now closed Gothenburg military museum was analysed using Dosa test strips for chloride content, XRF-analysis and ATR-FTIR analysis. Due to previous mould and pest problems it is likely that pesticides have been used in the collection. Previous documentation supports the use of Lindane and DDT during the 1960s and 1970s. The aim of the essay is to show how analysis can be used as a tool for museum professionals in order to protect themselves and the environment from the harmful effects of pesticides. Results from the analysed garments show low to no pesticide content and can be considered to not pose any risks of exposure. Results form analysis of a small number of objects cannot be considered representative for other collections and the results and discussion aim to show how the examined methods work and be an example of how analysis can be used in other collections.