Lisa Goldberg and Kerith Koss Schrager
Mercury, a common component in 18th, 19th, an 20th century collection items, is a well-known hazardous material with potentially severe short and long-term health consequences. Collection items with mercury include a wide variety of natural science specimens (geological, botanical, and taxidermy), pharmaceutical materials, historic pigments, historic mirrors and gilded wood, historic clothing items (felted items such as hats) and scientific instruments. While our understanding of the breadth of mercury use in cultural heritage items is growing, determining actual exposure risks and potential solutions for collections as well as collection care staff and visitors is a current area of research.
This joint session between the Preventive Care Network and the Object Specialty Group will acquaint participants with the range of collection items containing mercury as an intrinsic component, and will help initiate discussions among conservators about hazards, handling, and access. Panelists will present brief case studies to provide examples of risk management, exposure assessments, and handling protocols to control risks associated with these collection items.