For killing insects the crushed laurel leaves killing bottle is still
effective, even if home-spun.  Ethyl acetate vapour is OK but if there
is a risk of the insect touching the fluid, it will compromise the DNA
d-helix. 
I was recently informed that a drop of boiling water is also effective.


With all good wishes, 
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences. 
Hampshire County Council
Recreation & Heritage Department,
Museums & Archives Service,
Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester SO23 8RD. UK.
Internal  8 327 6737
01962 826737
http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/biology 



-----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Moore, Simon
Sent: 01 May 2009 16:44
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: entomology collections and chemicals for cleaning

Hi Anona,

What sort of specimens?  Skins can be degreased by other means -
degreasing powders, some vegetable-based, via Snowdonia taxidermy.
Bones are a bit more difficult but acetone can be used rather than
tri-chloro-ethylene, which is a standard de-greasant.  Benzene is highly
carcinogenic - toluene and xylene are better but still rather
undesirable.  Ethyl acetate is a poor degreasant and can compromise DNA.


I need more specific information. 


With all good wishes,
Simon Moore, MIScT, FLS, ACR,
Senior Conservator of Natural Sciences. 
Hampshire County Council
Recreation & Heritage Department,
Museums & Archives Service,
Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester SO23 8RD. UK.
Internal  8 327 6737
01962 826737
http://www.hants.gov.uk/museum/biology 



-----Original Message-----
From: The Natural Science Collections Association discussion list
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Anona Finch
Sent: 01 May 2009 16:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: entomology collections and chemicals for cleaning

A colleague, who is homebased, has asked us to supply chemicals for de-
greasing specimens. He asked for benzene and ethyl acetate, both of
which are now problematic as he does not have a fume cupboard and bans
etc.

Our colleagues in conservation asked that I contacted other museums and
zoology teams to see what they use instead of these chemicals and also
what advice to give amateur nats to use at home. 

Advice would be welcome. 

I look forward to seeing people at conference next week and discussions
on COSHH!

Kind regards

Anona Finch
Curator Natural Life (zoology)
Leicestershire County Council Environment and Heritage Services
31 and 33 Hayhill
Sileby Road
Barrow upon Soar
Leicestershire     LE12 8LD