Emanuele,

As you know the most danger comes from materials that outgass organic acids inside airtight cases,containers, or that are in physical contact with archives, objects, and art.

In an large space with good air exchange it is far less an issue, although you still are creating a form of air pollution inside the space.

Your best bet is to specify that all new furniture only use materials that are rated no to low VOC, not only the wood, but also the glues, paints, and finishes.

It's not only good for the collection, it's good for people too!.

Here's an informative online source on the topic for homeowners:
http://www.bobvila.com/articles/507-eco-friendly-cabinets/#.Vuw-rEA3FOY

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Senior Conservator & Museum Consultant
Los Angeles CA  USA
www.cityofangelsconservation.weebly.com

On Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 8:53 AM, Marconi, Emanuele <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Our museum is going to replace some desks that are located in storage or archive spaces.
The supplier proposed HPL laminate tops and I am concerned by a possible off gassing. The old ones are wood or HPL but were installed more than 15 years ago…
I would prefer using glass for the top but this would probably not a possible option for budget reasons.

Did any of you have any off gassing issue with desks or have any suggestion for desks that could be used in archive/ storage areas?

Thanks,

EMANUELE MARCONI
Conservator

National Music Museum

University of South Dakota
414 E. Clark St., Vermillion SD 57069    
www.nmmusd.org

+1 (605) 677-5093

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