Air quality monitoring

Detection of pollutants in museum storage environments is important for the preservation of collections. Pollutants are present in storage areas either because of infiltration of outside air or because they are generated indoors. Before mitigation measures can be implemented, the sources and types of pollutants should be identified. Air monitoring can be conducted in museum environments using active or passive sampling techniques. Passive sampling devices for sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, formaldehyde, and acetic acid vary in cost, complexity, accuracy, and sensitivity. The specificity and accuracy of monitoring devices are important considerations when designing a museum environmental survey.