[BCMA] Asbestos Sample

[Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.]

Hello Colleen,

                Obviously asbestos is/can be a major health concern but the dangers can easily be mitigated in a museum collection. There are also different types of asbestos with different levels of danger. As you probably know the major danger is inhalation. Since you mentioned that it is currently in a plastic bag, I’m assuming the bag is in decent condition and relatively sealed? Also from your description it sounds like it is a solid piece and not loose fibres? At that point the danger has been drastically reduced. In your case I would put it in another bag or two, something that can fully seal like a Ziploc bag or better yet a cold or hot sealed bag(s). Careful with the heat if there are any sensitive accompanying items. Make sure to attach relative safety information and warnings so someone cannot accidently expose themselves to the sample. Reduce handling as much as possible and I’d restrict access to it just to be safe. Asbestos really becomes dangers when it’s disturbed which allows for inhalation. If you have concerns about the storage box potentially being contaminated or the surrounding items, seal them up as well and dispose of any packing materials in sealed bags. Make sure to use appropriate PPE when doing this if you have concerns. If you’re really, really concerned about contamination, bag the whole storage box up and mark with appropriate warnings and contents but if the sample is already in a bag this is likely not a major concern.

                Beyond that if you’re worried about it and it is suitable for deaccession, do so. If you were to go this route I’d call a local mitigation company or your fire department for suggestions on safe disposal.

                The NPS in the US has a Conserve O Gram on the topic: https://www.nps.gov/museum/publications/conserveogram/02-11.pdf.

William Shepherd
Collections Officer
Swift Current Museum
44 Robert Street West
Swift Current, Saskatchewan
S9H 4M9
Phone: 306-778-4815
Fax: 306-778-4818

Archives: http://sain.scaa.sk.ca/collections/swift-current-museum
Library: https://www.librarything.com/profile/SwiftCurrentMuseum
Website: http://www.swiftcurrent.ca

From: bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca <bcma-bounces at lists.vifa.ca> On Behalf Of Moderated BCMA subscriber listserv.
Sent: March 21, 2018 12:39 PM
To: bcma at lists.vifa.ca
Subject: [BCMA] Asbestos Sample

Hello and help!
I was just going through a box of rock samples that I haven't set sight on for years and came across a ample of Asbestos about the size of a small deck of cards. The attached card says it came from Italy. At the present time its in a plastic see through bag.
How do I handle this or potentially get rid of it?
Appreciate all your feedback.
Cheers, Colleen



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[https://docs.google.com/uc?export=download&id=0B0tCClHYV62jV1Y4Q1RUVWN3VEk&revid=0B0tCClHYV62jZDdvYWNpWG01MFVpL0lYcUVWRXdLTy9mTWVVPQ]
Colleen Palumbo
Museum and Archives Manager
Box 992
Golden, BC
V0A 1H0

museum.golden at gmail.com<mailto:museum.golden at gmail.com>
http://www.goldenbcmuseum.com
@MuseumGolden
250-344-5169
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