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Testing Formica



It's quite simple to test an item for offgassing with a little accelerated
aging test. Clean a clear glass jar thoroughly (dishwashing detergent works
well) with very hot water, rinse three times with very hot water, and air
dry. Seal a sample of the questioned material inside the jar, and place it
in a window that gets direct sunlight. We know that heat and ultraviolet
radiation are very damaging to many materials, and the jar will receive
large doses of both. After a few days (longer in the winter, shorter in the
summer), take a look and a whiff. If you notice a film on the inside of the
jar, or if you smell something that makes you shudder, the sample is no
good for use in display cases, on shelving, etc. While this test will not
tell you what chemical is volatizing, you know that something is, and
that's all you really need to know.

Michael McColgin
Conservation Officer
Arizona History and Archives Division
mimccol@dlapr.lib.az.us

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