For the Love of Art: Upgrade Your Air Filters
When visiting museums, most people focus on the art, not the air around the art, but for those who serve to protect and preserve some of the most important treasures in the history of art and mankind, air quality is a significant factor to consider. Artwork exposed to indoor air pollutants can deteriorate. According to the website of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as a result of exposure to sulfur oxides, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and other acidic gases—metals can corrode and tarnish; stone can erode and suffer discoloration; paintings can face surface erosion and discoloration; textile fibers can weaken, fade, and change colors; leather can also weaken; and ceramics can become vulnerable to surface damage.
To prevent the damage these acidic gases can inflict upon valuable art, museums specialize in keeping important air quality practices.
When visiting museums, most people focus on the art, not the air around the art, but for those who serve to protect and preserve some of the most important treasures in the history of art and mankind, air quality is a significant factor to consider. Artwork exposed to indoor air pollutants can deteriorate. According to the website of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as a result of exposure to sulfur oxides, hydrogen sulfide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and other acidic gases—metals can corrode and tarnish; stone can erode and suffer discoloration; paintings can face surface erosion and discoloration; textile fibers can weaken, fade, and change colors; leather can also weaken; and ceramics can become vulnerable to surface damage.
To prevent the damage these acidic gases can inflict upon valuable art, museums specialize in keeping important air quality practices.
How do you save a Monet?
Indoor air pollution is so common that initially it’s unavoidable. Building materials like wood, plywood, unsealed concrete, some paints and varnishes, fabrics, carpet glues, plastic, and carpeting treated with finishes release a variety of pollutants including acids, formaldehyde, biocides, alkaline particles, organic acids, peroxides, organic solvents, ammonium-containing volatiles, sulfur compounds, plasticizers, phthalates, cellulose nitrate, and other damage-inducing pollutants. Even modern office and building equipment like photocopiers, printers, and electrostatic air cleaners release ozone.
To fend off these pollutants, the Philadelphia Museum of Art:
- Uses HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners to limit particulate redistribution
- Maintains seals and weather-stripping around doors and windows
- Stores archival materials in acid-free boxes/folders
- Preserves art pieces in safe materials
- Utilizes a layered air filtration system
Whether you’re a public or private art curator, don’t let your art suffer poor air quality. Art appreciation is art preservation, and art preservation is dependent upon up-to-date air filters. To upgrade your air filters today, check out our online store where we offer filters compatible with the most popular filtration units. Have a question? Call us at 978-521-1977 to speak with one of our helpful experts!