Disinfestation by anoxia

The Storage, Conservation and Restoration Department of Sport Lisboa e Benfica has an anoxia disinfestation equipment and provides services for clients and external entities.

Service
The anoxia atmosphere method, which means oxygen-free environment, is a pest eradication and control technique. It consists of removing oxygen (to less than 0.3%) from the interior of a tight chamber using an inert gas (nitrogen). It results in the death, by dehydration and asphyxiation, of microorganisms and insects. During the procedure, temperature, relative humidity, and oxygen concentrations are monitored inside the chamber.

It is a non-toxic, sustainable, and ecological method, harmless to humans and cultural objects used since the 1980s in Europe and the United States, with no side effects and proven to eliminate insects at all stages (eggs, larva, pupa, and adult).

Maximum chamber capacity
2,5m³

Treatment period
The minimum recommended time for each treatment is 21 days, so that the nitrogen penetration acts up to the egg level.

Types of objects and materials that can be subjected to this treatment
Leather, wood, paper, parchment, textiles and, in general, all organic materials.

Treatment effectivenes
This is a curative treatment, not preventive. The treatment is effective provided that disinfested cultural objects are kept in clean environments and under controlled conditions after the anoxia disinfestation cycle.