[Nhcoll-l] amber vs. naphthalene

[naturalhistory]

Jean

We have similar naphthalene residue issues and had these professionally surveyed. Naphthalene odour is very ‘strong’ as detected by human nostrils even when it is below the detection levels of air quality systems designed to measure acceptable levels in the atmosphere. We had complaints about the smell in areas where the naphthalene vapour concentration was below 0.5% of the acceptable level in air from the human health point of view. There are potential human health concerns but odour is not a reliable guide to concentration. It might be worth getting the levels of naphthalene tested before being over concerned at the concentration available in the entomology department and the potential effect on amber. Other factors such as temperature, humidity and containers for specimens would be more important for amber collections.

Nigel

Mr Nigel T. Monaghan,
Keeper,
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From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Demouthe, Jean
Sent: 02 December 2013 22:54
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] amber vs. naphthalene

Dear Colleagues:

We are about to receive a large collection of amber specimens, and Entomology wants to have them.

That department no longer uses naphthalene (moth balls) for pest control.  But even in new metal cabinets, their collection reeks of it.

Can anyone suggest a reference for the effect of long-term naphthalene exposure on amber?  Or the possible effects of any other residual fumigant (like dichlorobenzene).

Anything you can tell me about the subject will be greatly appreciated.

Jean DeMouthe



Dr. Jean F. DeMouthe
Senior Collections Manager for Geology
California Academy of Sciences
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
415-379-5258

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