Airbone particulates' and hygrothermal parameters' role purpose to the conservation of sacred art: a case study.

The preservation of religious art work sees the coexistence of opposing needs: first of all the fruition of the works themselves. This can be reached by creating suitable conditions for their own preservation. These peculiar type works of art cannot be placed out of context, being always in contact with the faithful , subjected to frequent expositions and microclimate changes. Also it suffers an intensive smoking derived from incense and votive candles. The experimental analysis carried out by the authors concerned the monitoring of TSP and thermo-hygrometric parameters in the niche of the SS. Crucifix in the Church of St. Papino in Milazzo (ME). The niche, as well as the wooden statue of the Crucified contained, includes a great variety of objects of different nature pouring in clear degradation. The monitoring of TSP (total suspended particulate) was performed using a particle counter and a extractor plug with a collection filter for the gravimetric test. The second monitoring campaign involved oscillation in temperature and relative humidity through the wireless sensors. In particular, the monitoring has focused on the different test patterns of the two parameters recorded by sensors in both internal and external shrines' area. The results have been able to highlight the lack of current means of conservation for wooden objects, frescoes and relics, above all related to that range of temperature and humidity values considered optimal by the standard UNI10829/99. These devices can be validated by subsequent and more detailed monitoring surveys.