The importance of cleaning in the files
Cleaning and basic sanitation constitute two of the main strategies, within the actions that must be implemented in the field of conservation and preventive conservation in our country, given the geographical characteristics of its territory and the administrative particularities so heterogeneous.
These activities tend to control the loads of dust and biological pollutants that are the causes of a good number of deterioration in documentary goods. It is necessary that these issues and the activities derived from them be addressed by professionals and personnel duly trained in the field of heritage conservation, given that the application of inappropriate techniques and products can generate greater damage to the supports. For this reason the custodians of the archive should always know the effect that any substance and procedure can generate on the supports, storage materials and the health of officials.
The dust particles that enter the file deposits and are stored on shelves, boxes, folders and the different types of documentary supports, can generate corrosion of the materials and in association with high humidity and temperature conditions can favor the acidification of the same and the occurrence of physical and chemical deterioration usually irreversible. In addition, they carry with them fungi and bacteria spores, which use cellulose as a carbon source, generating spots of different colors and acids that degrade both fibers and loads and gates that make up the paper.
In files with dirt and disorder they usually appear insects such as cockroaches, silver fish, beetings, termites and major organisms such as rodents. These constitute the main causes of support and information losses. In the case of mice, it has to, although they do not use cellulose as a power supply, are large destroyers of paper documents, when using them to build their nests. They are also vectors of numerous diseases that can affect the human being.
Within the field of insects the termites are perhaps of the most voracious organisms, since once they colonize, in less than 15 days there can be appreciable losses of information and, therefore, of the supports that support it.
The wide spaces that connect the deposit areas with the exterior of the files can allow the passage of birds, bats and other organisms that can generate considerable damage to the different materials and documents and documents.
In sum, the correct application of preventive measures will be the best ally of the personnel in charge of the archives, therefore, this card aims cleaning and other works within the archives.
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