About the bynes, if one had wooden cabinets (not I have metal) would placing
a open box of sodium carbonate help to absorb the acids?? how about a small
fan for circulating the air inside the cabinets. just a thought , ferreter
-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Sturm <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tuesday, October 12, 1999 6:41 PM
Subject: Re: Byrne's disease


>Nancy,
>  Once "Bynesian Decay" (my prefered term for it) had set in it cannot be
>reversed though it can be halted.  Whatever acid reaction has occured is
>permanent but by keeping the relative humidity low and the temperature low
>and avoiding acid exposure, the decay will stop.  From my readings I
>would recommend at temp of 65 degrees F., a relative humidity of 50-60%
>and avoid woods, especially oak, and use acid and lignin free paper for
>labels, trays etc.
>  As important as controlling the temp and RH is also not hitting the
>extremes.  Too low a RH and some shells will dry and crack, to high a
>RH and mold will start growing.
> Charlie
>***************************************************************************
***
>Charlie Sturm, Jr
>Research Associate - Section of Invertebrate Zoology
>                     Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA
>Assistant Professor - Family Medicine
>
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