Arsenic in bird study skin collection

Genevieve LeMoine asked for advice on cleaning bird study skins that
have probably all been treated with some form of arsenic and/or
other poisonous compounds.

I would suggest testing each of the skins for arsenic using the
modified Gutzeit spot test.  If there are too many skins to test
each one, then do a randomized representative survey of the
collection.  You might want to subject some of the skins to
instrumental analysis to identify any other poisonous elements and
compounds, such as mercury.

When handling and moving the specimens, the use of impervious gloves
is strongly recommended, along with the proper dust masks and
protective clothing.  Persons wearing dust masks must be fit tested
in the same manner as for half-mask respirators.  You should contact
your state OSHA department for information on how to get this done
and for their recommendation on brand and type of mask. Arsenic is
introduced into the body through the lungs (inhalation of dust) and
through the skin (handling) and the mouth (ingestion from the
hands).

Cleaning the skins to remove excess dust can be done using the above
mentioned protective measures and a HEPA vacuum such as a Nilfisk.
The soiled filters will have to be properly disposed of as hazardous
waste, so you will have to check with your museum's safety officer
on the local and state regulations regarding hazmat disposal.

Once the specimens have been surface cleaned, they will still need
to be handled with gloves.  The greatest danger of exposure is to
children and specimens that have tested positive for arsenic or
other poisons should never be used as educational specimens.  For
researchers, signs should be posted in the collections clearly
stating that the specimens are poisoned, and proper protective gear
should be made available.

The details of the spot test and references on arsenic in
collections such as yours has been published in an article entitled:
"Arsenic in Natural History Collections" by Catherine A. Hawks and
Stephen L. Williams, and published in The Leather Conservation News,
Volume 2, Number 2, Spring 1986.  Copies are obtainable as back
order issues. Please contact me off-list and I will get you the
ordering information.

Paul S. Storch
Objects Conservator
John and Martha Daniels Objects Conservation Laboratory (JMD-OCL)
B-109.1, Minnesota History Center
345 Kellogg Blvd West
St. Paul, MN  55102-1906
612-297-5774
Fax: 612-297-2967

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:46
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 19, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-46-009
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