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Re: Particle board shelves in archives



Jennifer,
You should check with the supplier and get them to send you the specifications on
the board.  My understanding is that formaldehyde is no longer used (or in) the
binders so this may not be a problem.  As to acid a spray painting with polyurethane
might seal the board but its a messy operation and the cost may put it back up with
steel shelves.  Acid free storage boxes should protect somewhat from any migration
but there would still be volatile acids in the air (I would guess).  If there is
good air exchange again this might not be a serious problem.  The real danger lies
in the board getting wet.  That stuff has a tendency to dissolve when wet from a
sprinkler system going off, a pipe leak or very high humidity in a flood.  This
usually dumps the shelf contents into pooled water on the floor.  That is
potentially a more major problem than acid.  It doesn't sound like your client takes
this seriously.  I would put in writing the problems with this material, what it
would cost to replace, to paint, and to recover the material if a disaster occurs.
If the material is of high value they might come around especially if you can get
some money back by returning or selling the board.  If not then get on with your
life; you have a dumb client.  Dick King and his thoughts only

Jennifer Fulton wrote:

> Does anyone on the list have a solution to this problem:  In the past year I
> have set up an archive for a corporate client.  I gave the company specs for
> archival shelving, which was supposed to be steel.  When the shelving arrived, I
> found the company had purchased wood particle board shelving instead, because it
> saved them money.  Of course, they did this without consulting me, because I
> would have told them that under no circumstances should any kind of wooden
> shelving be used to hold materials we are trying to protect from harmful acid!
> Acid free folders and boxes are no match for 3/4" thick wood!
>
> Here's my question:  Is there any way to make these shelves archival?  Is there
> any kind of sealant that could be put on them to stop the outgassing of
> formaldehyde from the particle board, and prevent acid migration to the boxed
> materials on them?  Of course, the company doesn't want to spend the money to
> get the right shelves which were requested in the first place, so that isn't one
> of my options.
>
> Thanks a lot,
> Jennifer Fulton
>
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