The Analysis of Red Lead Endsheets in Rare Books from the Fung Ping Shan Library at the University of Hong Kong

Abstract

Stored under optimal conditions, paper can last for hundreds of years; however, paper is also susceptible to numerous agents of deterioration as it is primarily made of cellulose fibre derived from plant cell walls. Paper is especially vulnerable under conditions with high temperature and humidity, which together can encourage mould growth and foster insect pests. Pest infestation is a common type of deterioration responsible for significant damage to paper and books. Endsheets prepared with red lead and sewn into traditional Chinese bookbindings are a historical method used to minimise insect damage to books in southern China. Samples of red-coloured papers from the Fung Ping Shan Library at the University of Hong Kong were assessed. Two types of so called wan nian hong papers (萬年紅紙), (1) damaged and (2) undamaged by insects, were analysed with a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence detector. The chemical analyses reveal high concentrations of red lead (lead tetroxide, Pb3O4) in the undamaged papers, and only very few traces of lead in the damaged papers. The orange papers with insect feeding tunnels seem to have been only coloured in orange, and not treated with red lead as a biocide. These results are discussed and compared with modern treatment methods in the integrated pest management of books, archive, and library materials in (a) Europe and (b) Asia.

Lead and Mercury in Historical Books and Their Contribution to Dust Contamination

“…On many shelves housing older books, and particularly in the CSH library, coloured debris derived from covers was clearly visible. Depending on storage and environmental conditions, the text blocks are also subject to deterioration through mould growth and damage from insects that feed on cellulosic fibres or starch-based adhesives [20]. The results of our dust analysis indicate an increase in Pb content on the shelving in the study room of the CSH library by up to an order of magnitude and in the council repository by a factor of over four compared with household dusts from residential buildings constructed during the same era.…”

Key Elements Affecting the Library’s CFU Concentration in Taiwan

“…Library managers frequently encounter dilemmas related to considering both aspects (i.e., the safe storage of library books and documents, and user health and comfort). According to the results of this study, if an appropriate management system can be developed, and the temperature and humidity of indoor environments effectively controlled, then the problems mentioned above can be resolved, thereby doubling the efects achieved and maximizing the results [1][2][3][4][5].…”