I work at a small childrens museum in Vermont and the Curator is worried about our Loon mount. It was mounted around 1975 or before and she is concerned about toxic chemicals becoming airborn or loose if the mount is handled. At this time it usually get vacumed once or twice a year but spends most of the time up high and out of reach. Is there any cause for concern in our vacuming it or even handleing it. I figured that this would be the best place to ask this question due to the knowlege of the many forum members. Thanks, Burke
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The amount of Arsenic if ANY? Is not going to become airborne in most cases. It would have been mixed with Ivory Soap and applied to the inside of the skin using a paint brush.
Common sense says dont play with the bird, it should only be dusted and not vacumed, the suction had probley displaced feathers.
Just use a soft cotton rag to wipe the dust away.
Thats about what I had expected. Our ED staff uses various mounts from time to time when doing programs with the kids. They get a chance to see up close and ( don't cringe ) touch some of the mounts. They are usually just fox,fischer,beaver, squirrel,bear cub and some hawk mounts. The Loon will be staying out of reach and will only be cleaned by myself. I do aprieciate your responce,
Burke