From: Bruce Steele <bruce**At_Symbol_Here**OXY.EDU>
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Insect collection protectant
Date: May 8, 2013 8:38:40 PM EDT
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <CAHoE6jqmMgjA-XrwcWM_32uWe8xB5-hJ_2j3wCYMqg5ckJMbpw**At_Symbol_Here**mail.gmail.com>


Barry,


We currently use freezing instead of any chemicals for preservation of the College bird skin collection. The technique is to pull the specimen trays from the collection boxes and place them into a custom designed freezer that accommodates the trays. Treatment is for 1 day **At_Symbol_Here** -50C, then back to room temp & repeat again for 1 day. A longer procedure involves -20C for several days to a week. The former lower temperature shorter exposure technique saves time. The Curatorial Associate has some technical papers on the effectiveness if anyone is interested. l can also get information on the company that made the freezer.

Bruce
Facilities - EH&S
Occidental College
LA, CA 90041
bruce**At_Symbol_Here**oxy.edu

On Wed, May 8, 2013 at 1:18 PM, Ferm, Barret <fermbarreta**At_Symbol_Here**sau.edu> wrote:
Hi All. We have an insect collection contained in wooden boxes housed in a large steel cabinet. We want to protect them from being degraded during long term storage. I am seeking DCHAS wisdom for alternatives to the traditional use of p-dichlorobenzene and/or naphthalene-based "moth balls" for this function. I will be grateful for your suggestions.

Barry

CHO & Lab Coordinator
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa



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