[Nhcoll-l] White crystals on plastinated tissue

[Rebecca Newberry]

We are noticing some white crystal like growth on plastinated human body parts on display. The objects are sealed in small acrylic vitrines in a gallery which experiences seasonal RH shifts (down to 20% in the winter and up to 60% in the summer) and relatively stable temperature around 70F. 
The worst growth is on a rib with cartilage attached. There is also growth on a plastinated heart. 
The tissues were prepared at the University of Michigan 15-20 years ago, presumably with silicone. 
Has anyone had an issue like this? I plan to clean it off with water dampened swabs, but I'd like to see if there is a way to prevent it from happening again. 
Thanks, 
Rebecca 

Rebecca Newberry 
Conservator 
Science Museum of Minnesota 
120 W. Kellogg Bl. 
St. Paul, MN 55102 
651 265-9841 
www.smm.org 
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