It's not just old taxidermy collections but also old ethnographic collections that were dusted with arsenic for preservation against pest damage. We've also discovered that a wide variety of other toxic chemicals were used as fumigants. Mothballs are a common problem at present.
We have done testing on some pieces, but it hasn't been possible to systematically test everything in the collections. So the general trend is to assume that everything that looks good has been treated with something. Hence standard procedure for handling any object is lab coats and gloves, no non-staff handling (i.e. volunteers / students / etc.), and exhibition in closed cases.
There are no restrictions with accepting treated material into the permanent collections. The educational K-12 collections, however, cannot accept anything that has been treated.
Chrisso Boulis
Registrar Records
Penn Museum
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Chrisso Boulis
Registrar, Records
Penn Museum - University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia PA
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Original Message:
Sent: 05-17-2021 01:44 PM
From: Melanie Greenaway
Subject: Old Taxidermy Collections
Colleagues, I have a client that has been offered an 100 year old taxidermy collection. The collection is extensive and many pieces are reported to be in excellent condition. However, I have heard that such items are likely to have arsenic in them.
My client is not sure if they should take the collection and we are seeking advice. Does anyone on this thread have advice for us on managing / maintaining an old taxidermy collection with potential toxicity issues? Are the issues surmountable? Should my client say "thanks but no thanks?"
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Melanie Greenaway, Exhibit Designer
Double Dare Design, North Vancouver BC
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