Stable humidity and temperature are crucial for preserving heritage collections. But did you know that it’s not just about relative humidity (RH), but also about the absolute moisture content of the object itself? When RH and temperature fluctuate together, exceeding limits, moisture can accumulate in objects—such as paper, textiles, or wood—creating a microclimate in which mould can rapidly develop. Storage in a space with low RH can lead to moisture being released from the object into the air. And because moisture migrates from the inside to the outside of the object, excessive humidity can build up on the surface, causing existing mould to flourish.
Mould not only affects aesthetics but can also cause structural damage and pose health risks to users.
The risk increases exponentially, especially at RH above 65% and temperatures above 20°C. And the tricky part? Even if room conditions seem good temporarily, the absolute humidity within the object itself can remain too high, allowing mould to develop.
Therefore, it’s essential to not only monitor the environment but also understand the object itself. Helicon Collection Care offers smart, sustainable solutions: from risk-based monitoring to passive climate control; from object-specific analyses (e.g., risk audits, LKM (airborne germ count) measurements, etc.) to the high-quality storage of your collection in our own depots, with Pause-Box®. Our experts help you prevent mold—with clear protocols, practical tools, and an approach that truly works.
Do you want to be sure that your collection is safe?
Contact Helicon Collection Care today. Together, we’ll ensure your heritage is not only preserved but also future-proofed.
071 30 30 940
info@heliconcc.com
Helicon Collection Care is building its own KEEP!-depot in Alphen aan den Rijn (NL). We’ll keep you updated on progress through this site, or follow us on LinkedIn!
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