Connecting to Collections Care

Hello,

Our institution is restoring a sculptural neon sign from the mid-1950s and a portion of the paint was tested for lead in which one portion of the sculpture came back as positive for lead. We are having a difficult time sourcing local vendors in Las Vegas to remediate the lead prior to metal work and repainting. Does anyone have any contacts for lead abatement or encapsulation companies that are willing to travel for this type of work or know of any conservators near the west coast that travel to conduct this type of work? Thank you in advance for your guidance.

Thank you,

Emily Fellmer

Senior Collections Manager

The Neon Museum

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Emily Fellmer
Senior Collections Manager
Neon Museum
Las Vegas
United States
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Hi all-

A quick reminder that while we encourage the sharing of resources in the C2C Care Community - posting of certain vendors doesn't imply endorsement by this program. Thanks!

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Robin Bauer Kilgo (she/her/hers)
Connecting to Collections Care Coordinator, FAIC
c2cc@culturalheritage.org
National Heritage Responders WG Co-Chair
Contract Registrar/Consultant
rbkilgo@gmail.com
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Hello Emily,

Our entire team is both lead and asbestos certified. We are based in Oakland, California in the Bay Area.

Incidentally, I will be presenting at AIC this year with a group of other conservators about how my company, Nzilani Glass Conservation safely interacts with lead in stained glass. This often includes working with lead based paint on old window sashes or on site in old buildings.

Even small amounts of lead exposure can elevate your lead levels. Prior to conserving your piece, make sure that you keep it contained and don't move it around to potentially release more lead paint flakes.

Feel free to reach out directly if you would like to discuss more.

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Ariana Makau
FAIC, FIIC, Board Member WCAPTI
President & Principal Conservator
Nzilani Glass Conservation, INC
Oakland CA

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Hello Emily,

Thank you so much for your question! Although I am serving as the monitor for this period, lead abatement falls outside my specific area of expertise. I would recommend posting your question on the Health & Safety Network or reaching out directly to an industrial hygienist, who may be better positioned to provide detailed guidance.

While I am unable to share specific contacts, the following resources may be useful starting points:

• Canadian Conservation Institute – Lead in Museum Collections
  https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/lead-museum-collections.html
• U.S. EPA – Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program
  https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program
• U.S. EPA – Lead Abatement, Inspection and Risk Assessment
  https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-abatement-inspection-and-risk-assessment

There are also several past discussions on related topics available through C2CC that may provide additional context.

I hope these materials are helpful as a starting point.

Best regards,

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Kelly Liu
Paper Conservation and Museum Intern
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Skagway
United States
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