Pentachlorophenol and Texol-n

In working with a collection of artifacts recovered from a shipwreck
in 1964, questions have arisen about the chemicals used (the
artifacts were treated on-site).  The wood was treated (immersed) in
a solution of 5% pentachlorophenol in polyethylene glycol, and the
leather was treated with a chemical called "Texol-n", acquired from
Union Carbide. Since treatment, the collection has been stored in
various climate controlled locations.  Both the wood and leather
artifacts are off-gassing; the more closed the environment, the
stronger the fumes.

Questions have finally arisen as to the composition of the fumes
generated by the wood artifacts, and their effects upon human health
and other artifacts.  Air sampling is in the works, but this will
not answer questions about long-term off-gassing behaviors of the
chemicals involved. It is presumed that ventilation with help
immensely, but it is unknown if this will "fix" the problem, or if
continued venting for a lengthy period of time will be required,
etc.  Does anyone have any experience with such a situation? What
are the impacts, past and future, on other materials, particularly
metal, photographs and textiles?

While searching for information on PCP, I've been looking for
information on the leather preservative Texol-n.  I've contacted
Union Carbide, to no avail (they couldn't find any record of it).
Does anyone know what this chemical is/was, its health effects and
effects on other materials?
Thanks for any and all information,

Sara L. Van Beck
National Park Service
Southeast Support Office
Museum Services

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:42
                Distributed: Wednesday, November 5, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-42-009
                                  ***