New Research on the Influence of Air Pollutants and Sulfur Dioxide in Particular on Paper-Based Documents
New Research on the Influence of Air Pollutants and Sulfur Dioxide in Particular on Paper-Based Documents

Summary/Abstract: Pollutants contribute heavily to the deterioration of library and archival materials. The two major types of pollutants are gases and particulates. Gaseous contaminants — especially sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, peroxides, and ozone — catalyzes harmful chemical reactions that lead to the formation of acid in materials. This is a serious problem for paper and leather, which are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by acid. The paper changes colour and becomes brittle, and leather becomes weak and powdery. Particulates — especially soot — abrade, soil, and disfigure materials.

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