Fingerprinting powder/dustThis article has some useful information about fingerprint powder: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fingerprint_powder I do know some fingerprint powder can be very damaging to surfaces because it uses some of the same elements as "crazy glue" and adheres to the oily residual properties left behind by the fingers, which can permanently stick to smooth surfaces. Kurt www.museumpods.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Linda Pansing To: [log in to unmask] Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 8:26 AM Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Fingerprinting powder/dust Hi, In a recent departmental meeting the following question was posed. In the event of a theft would the application of fingerprint powder on artifacts damage the artifact? From what we can find online the powder ingredients vary from brand to brand so knowing what exactly is in the powder might be difficult to ascertain, but mostly they consist of finely powdered non-reactive substances with light adhesive properties. Since I'm not a chemist I can't tell for sure but fingerprint dust appears like it wouldn't adversely affect smooth hard surfaces, though I wouldn't want it applied to textiles or papers. A secondary process of "developing" fingerprints that commonly uses vaporized adhesives, radioactive gases, laser luminescence, and the application of various chemicals that react with deposits left by fingers would most certainly be unadvised with historic artifacts. Has anyone have any experience with this or thoughts on the subject? Thanks for any help you can give, Linda Linda Pansing Assistant Curator of Archaeology Collections, Historic Preservation & Statewide Outreach The Ohio Historical Society 1982 Velma Ave. Columbus, OH 43211 (614) 298-2061 [log in to unmask] www.ohiohistory.org/archaeology __________________________ Find out about new archaeology happenings on the Ohio Historical Society's Archaeology Blog at http://ohio-archaeology.blogspot.com ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).