ARTWORK SUFFERING FROM FLATULENCE PROBLEM

ARTWORK SUFFERING FROM FLATULENCE PROBLEM



EAST ANGLIA, England (Wireless Flash) – It’s not a pretty picture, but many priceless pieces of art are being defaced in museums thanks to flatulence. British atmospheric chemist Peter Brimblecombe says sulfuric gasses emitted by artsy-fartsy museumgoers who pass gas is damaging artworks around the globe. Brimblecombe claims the sulfur from passing wind damages pigments in oil paintings and can even tarnish ancient silverware. Further damage is caused by bad breath and wet clothing such as soggy wool sweaters which also release gasses that decay artwork. A bean-free diet can help, but the scientist says one way to protect artwork is to simply have museum patrons stand farther back from the paintings.

Fri 04-27-01