Understanding whether environmental quality is improving or declining is the goal and value of environmental monitoring. Making decisions for governmental and non-governmental organizations is greatly aided by the information gathered by environmental consultants like Senior Environmental and Engineering limited. through environmental monitoring. Environmental monitoring’s primary goal is to observe and assess the trends and patterns of air pollution levels in the atmosphere.
Importance of Environmental Monitoring
Monitoring the environment is necessary to learn more about it and determine how well it supports the preservation of collections. There are continuous recording devices to make monitoring of temperature and humidity easier. (Spot readers that merely show the present conditions and data loggers and hygrothermographs) (Thermometers, hygrometers, and humidity indicator strips). Spot readings are taken by light meters (used to measure visible light) and UV meters (used to detect ultraviolet radiation). Blue Wool cards, which are made of strips of blue-dyed wool that are joined in a pattern that goes from most light-sensitive to most light-stable dyes, offer visual proof of the effects of light over time. Cards stored in the dark and cards exposed to light (the strips fade at various rates) can be used to gauge if the illumination in a given area is suitable or excessive for the storage or presentation of collection materials.
Regular inspections will identify issues before they have a chance to do serious harm. Spikes in temperature or humidity that are picked up by monitoring devices during environmental monitoring are a sign that the HVAC system is broken or that the monitored site is being affected by an unusual environmental factor. When the light source is intense and likely to cause fading and other photochemical damage to delicate things, the light meter’s reading in lux/foot-candles will be high. The likelihood that collecting materials will undergo long-term physical or chemical alterations decreases the faster these problems are resolved.
The records generated by environment monitoring will offer a baseline of the current circumstances in which collections are located. They can be applied to record daily, seasonal, and humidity ranges, or they can be used to locate places with inadequate climate management. It will be easier to evaluate the adequacy of lighting installed in storage or display spaces and the risk of harm from exposure to light if ambient light levels are measured.
The records can also be utilized to support modifications, such as modifying temperature control settings to better fit the collection’s demands for long-term preservation, planning for new or improved HVAC equipment, or enhancing collection storage and usage procedures. When submitting an application for grants or other forms of financial assistance for preservation work, records of the collection environment are helpful and even essential.
Conclusion
It might be difficult to manage a collecting environment that promotes stability and lowers the likelihood of additional deterioration. To ensure that climate control equipment is operating effectively, to spot issues that need to be fixed, to record conditions and their consequences, and to assist planning for improvements, it depends on careful environmental monitoring.