Introduction and objectives:

The Conservation- Restoration sector is reasonably recent and has not yet received the attention of Occupational Health. The documents found on the subject, for the most part, were written by Conservators- Restorers and not by Occupational Doctors or Security Technicians. This paper is intended to summarize the most pertinent information on this area.

Methodology:

This is a Scoping Review, initiated in November 2018, in the following databases: Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Academic Search Complete, CINALH, Medline, Database of Abstracts and Reviews, Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Nursing and Allied Health Collection, MedicLatina and RCAAP.

Content/ Results:

This document summarizes data on the main risk factors, with emphasis on chemical agents such as pigments (lead, arsenic, mercury, chromium, cadmium, zinc), binders/ varnishes/ adhesives and solvents, as well as pesticides. The dust/ inhalation of particles has not been forgotten; as well as possible contact with bacteria, fungi, yeasts and insects; such as various radiations; illuminance, contrast, visual effort and risk of fire/ explosion, secondary to some chemical agents. Some occupational diseases, as well as collective and individual protection measures considered appropriate, have also been described.

Discussion:

Although there are very few published data and documents on risk/ risk factors among Conservators-Restorers, these are sometimes best described for other professional classes that share some risk factors, like the artists themselves, who drew up various types of art, in the present and past (because in the pieces to restore there are materials almost unused now or even prohibited for several decades).

Conclusions and Limitations:

No relevant data were found on the determination of the most toxic chemical agents in the Conservation-Restoration workplaces in general, much less in the various subsectors (painting, sculpture, glass, stone, textiles, jewelry) or serum assays of these same substances (when applicable) in a general sample of professionals in the sector exposed to these agents, much less with emphasis on each of the subsectors mentioned above. Likewise, no risk assessment was found in this sector, based on the dosages obtained and the rest of the analysis, to prioritize intervention and reevaluate the effectiveness of the latter, to determine the next steps to be taken, at occupational risk management level.

It has long been known that concrete and serious harm is associated with some of the risk factors in this area. However, this sector is still very little studied in the context of Occupational Health. It would be very pertinent to have motivated teams to study this area and to fill some of the limitations found, not developed in the international literature.

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