The term anoxia refers to the absence of oxygen. In the field of cultural heritage, this term is associated with disinfestation treatments applied to works of art.
How does it work?
Artworks are placed inside gas-barrier envelope, known as gastight envelope, in which an oxygen-free atmosphere is created by introducing nitrogen.
Origins
Between the late 1990s and early 2000s, research conducted by the Getty Foundation (USA) and the European SAVE ART Project investigated the reactions of insects to oxygen deprivation in sealed environments.
Common museum pests were placed in oxygen-free chambers for controlled periods, achieving 100% mortality across all life stages.
Advantages
Anoxia-based treatments for cultural heritage offer numerous benefits:
- Ensure the physical integrity of the artwork without causing damage or deterioration;
- Suitable for all types of materials, including paper, parchment, wood, leather, textiles, and mixed-media artworks;
- Some systems allow in-situ treatment of the artwork;
- Eliminate pests at every developmental stage (egg, larva, pupa, and adult insect);
- Environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic to people, animals, and the environment.
Technological developments
Over the years, anoxic disinfestation has benefited from major technological advancements, particularly in the design of increasingly efficient nitrogen generators for oxygen control—such as VELOXY®, developed and engineered by RGI specifically for the cultural heritage sector.
This device combines user-friendliness and practicality with cutting-edge technology for monitoring anoxic treatment parameters.
For more information about anoxic disinfestation or the VELOXY® System, feel free to contact us!
