A reply to an idividuals concern that "sulphur" might be added to Vikane as a safety precaution and that it might result in damage to some collections materials.

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Hi Gale,

I am not sure about your particular situation (vendor etc...) but it seems that the most common commercial additive (for fumigation of houses and such) on the West coast at least is Chloropicrim which basically irritates the eyes, and mucous membranes - kind of like a tear gas. It is described as a "warning agent" and its purpose is to keep from killing hapless burglers and curious children that might sneak into a tented house. The EPA has a page that discusses this -

http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/sulfuryl.f.vikane.epa.htm

I didn't think that the "Vikane" that we used a few years ago contained any additives. I spoke with some one at Lloyd Pest Control and in San Diego who confirmed that normally they use the additive in tented homes but when they use the portable fumigation chamber that they haul onsite (say to the one of the Balboa Park complex museums) they do not use the additives (partly because it can be maintained as a secure environment).
The use of additives seems to vary from company to company, situation to situation, and from one municipality to another so it is worthwhile to ask around.


Also if you are not familiar with it already a great resource for all things "buggy" in the museum environment is -

www.museumpests.net

they have good information on a range of IPM related topics but the specific link that discusses fumigation is

http://www.museumpests.net/treatment.asp?defaulttab=1

The folks involved in this organization are all top notch.
Have a great weekend!

Ashley