Coating on drafting linen

The Field Records Library collection includes many maps, charts,
etc. drawn or copied onto a linen-base material, which has a smooth
surface. Many of these items have an odor, even though the material
does not appear moldy, discolored, etc.  It is not a
musty/dusty/moldy smell. It's more of a sharp smell.  A
Colleague has suggested that the linen was treated with a paraffin
based product of some kind, and that the smell may come from the
deterioration of that product.  Anyone out there have experience
with linen-base material like this, and or know the source of this
smell?  With many thanks.

Carol Edwards
USGS Field Records Library
Denver

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:1
                 Distributed: Wednesday, June 19, 1996
                        Message Id: cdl-10-1-002
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