Why the environment matters
Invisible threats to collections
Paper, parchment, wood, leather and textiles constantly interact with their surroundings. Poor conditions can degrade them long before change becomes visible.
Key environmental threats
Excess humidity
High relative humidity encourages microbial growth and can deform hygroscopic materials.
Mould and fungal spores
Spores do not always mean active mould, but under favourable conditions they become a real risk.
Dust and pollutants
Settling particles soil surfaces, and some chemical pollutants contribute to degradation.
Unstable microclimate
Frequent swings in temperature and humidity cause stress, especially in composite objects.
Risk of re-contamination
Objects returning to an unchanged environment after treatment may face the same threats again.
“The most effective protection is often the one that avoids the need for later intervention.”
INT4SANPrevention instead of costly intervention
Repairing the effects of poor storage is slow, costly and sometimes impossible without altering original material. Systems such as INT4SAN can be part of comprehensive environmental management — alongside monitoring, ventilation, housekeeping and condition checks.
Especially sensitive materials
Paper and parchment
Hygroscopic — they absorb and release moisture, leading to cockling, deformation and microbial growth.
Wood
Moves with humidity changes; stress causes cracks and layer separation.
Leather
Favours mould when damp, stiffens and crumbles when the air is too dry.
Textiles
Settling dust and pollutants weaken fibres and soil them permanently.
Composite objects
Different materials react differently to climate swings, causing internal stress.
Elements of comprehensive environmental management
- 01
Temperature and humidity monitoring
- 02
Proper ventilation
- 03
Housekeeping procedures
- 04
Regular condition checks
- 05
Air purification and dehumidification — INT4SAN
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Technology