I was just fowarded a string of messages pertaining to the conservation of records.  If you would like more information about the cleaning/ stabilization and treatment of these early semi-synthetic plastics, please contact me off-line- or I can put you in contact with a conservator who works on polymers nearer to your area.

Until then, please do not clean them with water and air dry them. Keep them in the refrig and do not freeze them.  Their condition (flexibility, strength, whether they have lost plasticizer or not, brittleness, coatings in tact or not) etc will determine their suitable treatment.  Brushing off some loose burial dirt with soft brushes (not toothbrushes) may be okay in order to keep them clean while they are awaiting treatment.  Absolutely do not attempt to clean or store them with any type of solvent-- keeping them in cold water should limit the production of harmful bacteria and fungi from growing.

I can be reached at [log in to unmask]
Lisa Young
President
Alexandria Conservation Services