Extreme weather phenomena and increased relative humidity, consequences of climate change, are posing new challenges for the conservation of cultural heritage. These factors have led to the proliferation of mold and fungi in the ethnological reserve room of the Museum of the Ebro Lands, particularly affecting objects made of wood, leather, iron, paper, and cardboard.
“"These are precisely the materials most sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, and to the changes in climatic conditions in recent years. In recent months, the changes have been quite substantial, the pieces are suffering, and we have had a problem with fungi."
The museum center has activated an action plan, designed by the restoration team, to address this issue. The treatment, which began early this year, has included analyses to identify the type of fungi and a massive disinfection of the space using nebulization techniques, which reduces the microbiological load. Subsequently, additional disinfections have been carried out with pulverization, focusing on each individual piece.
This meticulous task involves the individual cleaning and protection of over 5,000 objects, a job estimated to take two years. Once the visible part of the fungus has been eliminated, the process will continue with the removal of spores and the disinfection of the storage space, including shelves and walls. This phase is also used to carry out a thorough control and registration of the pieces, documenting any incidents detected during handling.
“"We take the opportunity to carry out a control and registration of the pieces and to note down any incidents that are observed during handling."
The complexity of the treatment lies in the diversity of materials and the different cleaning protocols they require. The Department of Culture has provided economic resources for the operation, while the Amposta City Council has contributed human resources through employment plans.
The museum's management has emphasized the need to adapt facilities to mitigate the impact of climate change on heritage, especially by improving ventilation systems in the most vulnerable rooms. The ethnological reserve room, located on the ground floor and in contact with the exterior, presents the greatest challenges. The development of preventive conservation plans is proposed, including meteorological forecasts to develop more specific systems and control climatic parameters.
