[Chemical hazards in the workplace environment of painting restorer].

BACKGROUND

This paper presents the results of the identification of chemical substances present in the air in the workplace of painting restorer.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Identification tests were carried out in university and museum easel paintings conservation studios. Air samples were taken for testing at various stages of restoration works. In the qualitative analysis chemical substances in the air samples were measured by GC-MSD and HPLC-DAD methods.

RESULTS

In the air samples collected during the cleaning of paintings, such substances as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, acetone, ethanol and terpenes were mainly identified. While the painting was doubled toluene and while varnished, propan-2-ol, propane, butane and substances derived from turpentine and white spirit were mainly emitted.

CONCLUSIONS

During the course of painting conservation numerous chemical substances that may pose a threat to the worker's health were identified in their breathing zone.