[NHCOLL-L:1484] Use of cellophane for specimen storage

[Sue Valis]

Would anyone have experience and/or knowledge of using cellophane
for the storage of dried specimens in natural history collections and of
the problems associated with the degradation of this material? 

Our museum has most of its dry echinoderm collection stored in
cellophane bags. Although stored in the dark, the bags are beginning to
appear slightly yellow and are possibly becoming more brittle. I am
looking for information to find out the longevity of cellophane, the
conditions under which it degrades and generally information to justify
the recommendation of replacing the bags with polyethylene ones before
the cellophane totally disintegrates. Any information would be valuable.

Sue Valis
Conservator
Australian Museum
6 College Street 
Sydney NSW 2010
Australia

tel: +61 2 9320 6207
fax: +61 2 9320 6070


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