RESEARCH PAPER
Proposal for a biological environmental monitoring approach to be used in libraries and archives
 
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1
Department of Public Health, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
 
2
Laboratory of Aerobiology and Environmental Quality Control, Department of Clinical Medicine, Nephrology and Health Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
 
3
National Institute of Graphic Arts, Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Rome, Italy
 
 
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2012;19(2):209-212
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
In cultural-heritage-related indoor environments, biological particles represent a hazard not only for cultural property, but also for operators and visitors. Reliable environmental monitoring methods are essential for examining each situation and assessing the effectiveness of preventive measures. We propose an integrated approach to the study of biological pollution in indoor environments such as libraries and archives. This approach includes microbial air and surface sampling, as well as an investigation of allergens and pollens. Part of this monitoring plan has been applied at the Palatina Library in Parma, Italy. However, wider collections of data are needed to fully understand the phenomena related with biological contamination, define reliable contamination threshold values, and implement appropriate preventive measures.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to thank Dr. A. de Pasquale, Director of the Palatina Library in Parma, for providing access to the Library’s historical collections.
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ISSN:1232-1966
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