Removing DDT powder

The Museum of  Victoria has recently identified the presence of DDT
powder on a pair of hide moccasins from North America, probably
applied in the distant past as an insecticide.  Undoubtedly this
powder is present on other objects in the Museum's ethnographic
collections. Has anyone had experience in the handling and cleaning
of objects afflicted with such a powder? Vacuum removal of the
powder using a filtrated system is an option for consideration.
Would DDT powder be handled in a similar way to arsenic powder? Any
comments from others with experience in these matters would be
greatly appreciated.

Penny Edmonds
Senior Conservator
Museum of Victoria,
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:30
                Distributed: Friday, September 29, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-9-30-008
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