a Review of Analytical Methods for the Determination of Mercury , Arsenic , and Pesticide Residues on Museum Objects

Abstract

The historical use of arsenic, mercury, and various organic pesticides for preservation of museum objects has led to valid concerns regarding the potential health risks to humans coming in contact with them. As past treatment of specific objects within individual collections is for the most part unknown and undocumented, chemical analysis represents the most reliable means for determining whether an object has been contaminated and the level of contamination. It is important that museum professionals and other interested parties understand the analytical methods that can be applied to this problem, the details involved in designing and effecting a study, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique. This article outlines the various stages involved in a chemical analysis, reviews the sundry analytical methods for the determination of arsenic, mercury, and organic pesticides, and provides a framework which will hopefully assist nonexperts in determining which method is most appropriate for a specific application.