John Handley wrote: > Regarding pharmaceuticals that, over time, become dangerous, I > would be most interested to know if anyone knows more on this. I > work with a medical collection and have consulted several > physicians who, in their opinion, say there is nothing to worry > about as far as off-gasing, etc. Please contact the Canadian Conservation Institute, (Analytical Research Services). Upon testing, you may find that many old pill formulations contain Hg2Cl2 (Mercury chloride) or other nasties like strychnine. Unless you chemically test decomposing pills, there is no way to tell to what you are being exposed. Decomposing medications may be harmless to you but may react with their containers or other objects in your collections. Our practice is to test the contents of pill vials or ointment tubes. Those materials that are unstable or harmful are documented and discarded. Good luck Gutenkauf ______________________________________________________________________ Diane Gutenkauf Chair, Midwest Registrars Committee Curator, Elmhurst Historical Museum 120 E. Park Avenue Elmhurst, IL 60126 USA Voice: +(630) 833-1457 Fax: +(630) 833-1326 Email: [log in to unmask] My opinions are my own and do not reflect those of any institution with which I am affiliated.