[NHCOLL-L:3622] RE: effects of nitrogen gas?

[Colin Macgregor]

Hi Leishawn,

At the Australian Museum in Sydney we use pure nitrogen gas as a method
of killing insect infesting our collections. Natural Science and organic
cultural objects are routinely put into a chamber of pure nitrogen for
two weeks. We have never observed any harmful effects on the objects,
but it asphyxiates the bugs very effectively due to the lack of oxygen.



We also have a fire suppression system  in a number of our stores which
consists of nitrogen and carbon dioxide. There should be no problem with
this as the nitrogen gas is fairly unreactive. There is such a large
amount of nitrogen in the air around us that reactions would probably
have already happened if they are going to happen.



It's the nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide which you will find in the
polluted urban air outside that will attack the collection under certain
conditions. And then we have to look at filters on the air-conditioning
system etc, but that's another story.



Regards,

Colin Macgregor

Manager

Conservation

Australian Museum





From: owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu
[mailto:owner-nhcoll-l at lists.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Leishawn Spotted
Bear
Sent: Thursday, 1 November 2007 12:32 AM
To: NHCOLL-L at LISTS.YALE.EDU
Subject: [NHCOLL-L:3621] effects of nitrogen gas?



Howdy,



A fellow colleague has been approached of having the occasional chemical
demonstration of liquid nitrogen to be held in their museum.  She is
curious to know of any effects that the nitrogen gas may have upon
artifacts and specimens.  Has anyone had a similar situation?



Thanks,

~ Leishawn





Leishawn Spotted Bear

Assistant Curator of Science

Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

1501 Montgomery Street

Fort Worth, Texas 76107

817-255-9323



The Australian Museum.

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