Fresh air should be supplied to storage rooms and exhibition galleries via a multi-stage ventilation system. The ventilation system should include a combination of preliminary, active charcoal and fine dust filters.

A light (white) lime plaster is especially suitable for wall surfaces in cultural institutions. As it does not contain any solvents, it is low-emission and minimizes the release of further pollutants to indoor air.

A light (white) lime plaster is especially suitable for ceilings. As it does not contain any solvents, it is low-emission and minimizes the release of further pollutants to indoor air.

Epoxy resins or polyurethane are good abrasion-resistant floor coatings. These form a seal on application and consequently do not release any further substances into the indoor air. Mineral and ceramic-based coatings, linoleum or stone floors can also be used. Floors made of (untreated) wood or parquet give off organic acids over long periods. Carpets and PVC coverings are not emission-free and consequently are also unsuitable for cultural institutions.

Storage furniture refers to furniture used to accommodate collections in storage areas. This often takes the form of shelving systems, but compact and roller racking, as well as (map) cabinets, large crate systems and tables are also used.

Low-emission storage furniture includes shelving and cabinet systems made of powder-coated metals. In some rare cases, glass is used in storage areas. Because of high emissions from wood, the combination of glass and wood should be avoided in storage areas.

Jean Tétreault: Materials for storage and archiving (English)

Christoph Waller: Materials for storage and archiving (German)

Only a few types of material are considered suitable for showcases and picture frames. These include powder-coated metals, glass, ceramic materials and stone. Acrylic glass, polyethylene and polyester film, waxed cotton cloth, acid-free cardboard and acetic acid-free adhesives and sealants can also be used to construct showcases. In general, however, all materials used to construct storage furniture should be tested and certified as low-emission or emission-free by an accredited laboratory.

The air exchange rate of showcases is determined by their design and construction. The looser the joints and the thinner the walls of the showcases are, the more air can circulate between the room and the interior of the showcase. On average, in even a virtually airtight showcase the air will be replaced completely within 30 to 33 days. This is normal and should be tolerated. Although a low air exchange rate for showcases protects the objects from dust, pollutants in the external air and visitors' perspiration, it does require the chosen showcase materials to be emission-free wherever possible. Moreover, airtight showcases help stabilize the indoor climate, which is important from the point of view of interactions between contaminants and high temperatures. There are various ways of measuring the air exchange rate:
? Using the differential pressure method (analogous to the blower-door test): With this technique, a slight overpressure is created within the showcase and the pressure difference in relation to the environment is measured over a limited period. This indicates the air exchange rate.
? Measuring concentration decay with an indicator gas (tracer gas): With this technique a given amount of indicator or tracer gas (usually CO2) is introduced into the showcase. The resulting drop in concentration levels between the air in the showcase and the room air is measured with a gas analyzer and the air exchange rate is then calculated from the concentration over time curve.

Showcases are frequently classed as low-emission, but over time blemishes appear on exhibits. These are usually caused by interior fittings (stands, mounts, labels) in the showcases. As stands and mounts in particular come into direct contact with the artifacts, these should ? like the showcase materials themselves ? be made of certified low-emission/emission-free materials (see Tips).

Such documentation includes a detailed concept for preserving and restoring objects. It will include any inspections carried out, the measures taken, the equipment employed along with the chemicals and materials used. It is important, and helpful for future generations, to append to this documentation any product datasheets detailing the exact chemical composition of the products used. In this way, even if a product is no longer on the market, subsequent conservators will be able to deduce how any substance residues in the object are likely to react.

Pollutants should be monitored especially in archives and storage rooms (see Introduction). This enables any increase in concentrations of volatile substances to be spotted quickly so that any threats to the collection from materials giving off emissions (storage furniture, packaging) can be promptly eliminated. A combination of active sampling at certain points and passive long-term monitoring ensures that all qualitative and quantitative parameters are covered.

Pollution should continue to be measured during exhibitions as well. This enables prompt detection of any substances emitted, including from the exhibits, which could interact with showcase materials and produce new polluting compounds. As such processes are very difficult to foresee, any increase in concentrations must be detected by ongoing pollution monitoring during everyday operation, and the materials producing the emissions must then be removed.

Portable reflectometers are sometimes used to determine the concentration of dust in the room air, and consequently the threat to cultural artifacts on open display. These reflectometers determine the gloss of surfaces and calculate the dust content. The device shines light on the measuring area at an angle of 60-85°, measures the reflection and converts it into gloss units (GU). A simple way of measuring dust is to set out small glass plates in the exhibition room and in the showcases, then check the amount of dust on them under a microscope at regular intervals.

Portable reflectometers are sometimes used to determine the concentration of dust in archives and storage rooms, and consequently the threat to collections in open storage. These reflectometers determine the gloss of surfaces and calculate the dust content. The device shines light on the measuring area at an angle of 60-85°, measures the reflection and converts it into gloss units (GU). A simple way of measuring dust is to set out small glass plates, then check the amount of dust on them under a microscope at regular intervals.

Specialist staff include in particular conservators who specialize in preventive conservation and who can plan or perform simple monitoring, or make contact with accredited laboratories. Central (chemical) laboratories within an institution or an accredited laboratory that works with trained lab chemists and technicians can also plan and execute pollution monitoring.