Letter about fumigation Letter about fumigation Erich Kesse I am writing in response to your request for information regarding fumigation in library preservation and fumigation chambers in libraries. OSHA regulations govern the installation, operation and maintenance of fumigation chambers. Regulation is now so tight that it is general practice, among libraries, to seek commercial fumigation rather than to attempt fumigation themselves. The regulation of most fumigants used to eradicate insect infestations generally requires certification of personnel if not also facilities. Fumigation chambers previously installed and operated by libraries, such as the Vacudine Chamber at the University of Miami, are no longer used, and are increasingly being converted to Blast Freezing Chambers.
Blast freezing is a safe, non-chemical insect eradication treatment.
Scientific research, including that performed by UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Science, has begun to show the deleterious effects of fumigants upon paper-based and other library materials. The only fumigant now tacitly recommended by the archives, library and museum preservation community in the United States is Vikane. Vikane is least likely to damage these materials. Vikane, manufactured by DOW Chemicals, is regulated by OSHA and requires certified operators and exacting conditions. The University of Florida Libraries maintains contacts with the University Division of Health and Safety's Pest Control Office.