> Hello,
>
> Here at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum I wrap anything to be treated for
> insect pest infestation in polyethylene plastic prior to freezing. These
> objects are most often natural history specimens (mounts) and textiles or
> leather/hide/feathered objects from our Aboriginal History collection.
>
> Lately this practise has come into question - is it not a waste of time and
> resources to do this, especially since much of the plastic must be thrown
> away to prevent possible cross-contamination? Could the wrapping stage be
> eliminated for adsorbent objects in good condition?
>
> My reasons to continue wrapping are listed below. However, I wanted to pose
> these questions to the list for thoughts, from a practical point of view, as
> to whether wrapping is important, and if so, how and when. Has anyone has
> come up with a more environmental alternative? For example, has anyone found
> a line of vapour -proof, washable tubs that would do the same job for a
> variety of sizes of mounts?
>
> Reasons for wrapping:
> 1. To contain infestation while transporting specimen to the freezer
> 2. To prevent moisture content changes in the object during freezing, which
> could result in dimensional changes and physical damage
> 3. To prevent damage from possible freezer failure (water drips/ floods,
> debris from ceiling)
> 4. To prevent condensation from forming during its acclimatization before the
> bag is opened
> 5. To prevent (or slow) re-infestation during acclimatization
>
> Your thoughts and ideas on the subject would be most appreciated!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Alyssa Becker
> Conservator
> Royal Saskatchewan Museum
> 2340 Albert Street
> Regina, Saskatchewan S4P 2V7
> P: 306-787-2667 F: 306-787-2645
> [email protected]
>
>
>
