The word Fume means smoke. It is a noun, and Fumigate means to wash; expose to smoke to disinfect or disinfect. The word Fumigation is derived from this word Fumigate.
The procedure of “library fumigation” is used to get rid of mildew, pests, and other dangerous organisms that might contaminate library objects like manuscripts, books, and other archival items. To guarantee that pests like insects, rats, and mold spores are completely eliminated, chemical fumigants are used in a sealed environment. First, an evaluation is conducted to determine the amount of the infestation. Next, sensitive things are protected and the space is secured with meticulous preparation. In order to guarantee that the area is safe for re-entry, the fumigation phase is followed by a thorough ventilation process to remove any remaining chemicals. For the purpose of preserving the longevity and integrity of a library’s collection, this technique is frequently employed in conjunction with other preservation strategies.
Types of Fumigation:
Fumigation is mainly of two types. Such as”
1. Inter-Fumigation
2. Part fumigation
Inter fumigation: Immigrating all the contents of a library together is called inter fumigation. For this, the building has to be built according to the plan beforehand. Inter-inter fumigation cannot be done in common buildings or buildings.
Part fumigation: All parts of the library are disinfected individually on a small scale. This is why the fumigation box has to be made separately.
Fumigation methods:
Library and archive materials are freed through three methods.
1. Vacuum Fumigation
2. Thymol Fumigation
3. Para-di-chloro-benzene Fumigation
1. Vacuum Fumigation:
The process of sterilizing archives and library materials in the absence of oxygen is called vacuum fumigation. First, a steel chamber or box is made (much like a water tank) with a single opening at the top and two tubes (much like car exhausts) on either side to let air in and out as needed.
After that, the books will be arranged in a row by making several shelves inside the box according to the volume. Then close the mouth of the box well so that no air can move inside. At the same time, a dim light should be provided inside. The box must then be deoxygenated by expelling all the air inside with the help of the output tube. No animal can live without oxygen. If you leave this box without oxygen for a few days, all the insects and their eggs inside will be destroyed. Insect spiders die within seconds. But many times it is seen that the eggs of insects have a hard coating. It does not spoil easily. So if left for a long time, many times due to the lack of oxygen, the shell of the egg bursts due to pressure and destroys them.
Although there is no specific time for how long/days/months the box should be kept closed, it depends on the book’s demand, money, etc. It should be kept for at least 24 hours; however, if you keep it for 10–15 days, much better results are obtained. .
Advantages of vacuum method:
A. This method is very simple. Anyone can do it.
B. Low cost. There is no such cost. So this method is used in many places.
C. No chemical gas is used in this method so there are no side effects.
Disadvantages of vacuum method:
A. Eggs do not die easily.
B. Many times, the box may burst and cause an accident after the air is released from the box
C. Many times, the color or writing of the book is lost.
2. Thymol Fumigation:
Fumigation by thymol gas is primarily of two types:
A. Fumigation by thymol liquid gas
B. Fumigation by thymol granular gas
A. Fumigation by thymol liquid gas:
First, take a box made of solid steel. During construction, it must be as before so that there is a face and hole. One can be used to exhaust gas and the other to enter gas. Now the shelves inside the box should be grated. Damaged books, papers or documents infested with insects should be arranged layer by layer inside the box and sealed tightly. The box must then be completely deflated by a pumping machine. Thymol gas should then be introduced through another inlet. When this gas enters the insects, they will feel sweet (moreover, all types of poisons are more or less sweet). Now all the insects will die within a thousandth of a second by consuming this powerful poison. Eggs spoil easily in this presence.
B. Fumigation by thymol granular gas
According to the respective requirements, small wooden or iron boxes should be made and metal grating shelves should be arranged 8 inches above the bottom of the box. This method is easy to do with 4 buckets in 4 corners. There will be 2 electric light fixtures on the floor, and two 60 watt red bulbs will be lit. Now put a piece of granular Thymol on the light, close the affected book or document and close the mouth. The bulb should be ignited by completely venting the air through the exhaust passage. The bulb will be lit for 2 hours every 24 hours. Thymol granules will melt in the heat of the light, creating toxic fumes. At a temperature of 750 degrees, all kinds of germs and insects, including eggs, will be destroyed. Later, the revised book should be opened and taken out. Accidents are very few in this system.
Advantages of Thymol method:
A. Insects with eggs are easily destroyed
B. More books can be humidified in less time.
C. Does not damage the writing and pages of the book.
Disadvantages of Thymol Method:
A. This method is very expensive.
B. Thymol gas is very toxic. Cannot be done by mouth, requires a technician.
C. Thymol Fumigation cannot be done around the library. Have to go away. The developed world, including America, uses this method along rivers or on mountains.
D. The worker may be exposed to toxic gases.
3. Para-di-chloro-benzene Fumigation
This Thymol gas is more powerful. In this method, like other systems, the box shelves must be made of grating. This box will have two layers. The upper layer is perforated and the lower layer is non-perforated. Now, like other methods, the books and documents should be arranged on the shelf, closed, and vacuumed. Then, by introducing air in the other direction and leaving it for some time, all the insects, including eggs, will be destroyed. It is mentioned here that this gas is not active below 60°C. This method can also be done in other ways. Para-di-chloro-benzene Fumigation can be done by creating smoke from a candle. Candles contain this gas. Which are arranged in a row inside the shelf and the box has to be shaken with the help of an electric short. Then the candles burst and created poisonous fumes inside, which destroyed insects and harmful germs.
During fumigation, a specific fumigant is applied, and the area is kept sealed for a set period to ensure effectiveness. After fumigation, the area is ventilated to remove residual fumigants, with safety checks to confirm it is safe for re-entry.
Post-fumigation inspections ensure pests or mold are effectively eliminated. Preventative measures, such as improved climate control and regular monitoring, are implemented to avoid future infestations. Safety considerations include using appropriate protective equipment and complying with regulations.
Environmentally friendly fumigants are preferred to minimize ecological impact. Alternatives like integrated pest management (IPM) and non-chemical methods, such as freezing or heating, are also considered to maintain a safe and healthy library environment.
