air pollution, deposition and origin of the suspended particulate matter and microorganisms of the Correr
Museum, Venice. In addition, this study was focused to identify the problems caused by the heating and air
. conditioning system HAC and the effects due to the presence of carpets. Heating and air conditioning systems
. HACs , when chiefly designed for human welfare, are not suitable for conservation and can cause dangerous
temperature and humidity fluctuations. Improvements at the Correr Museum have been achieved with the assistance
of environmental monitoring. The carpet has a negative influence as it retains particles and bacteria which are
resuspended each time people walk on it. The indoorroutdoor pollutants ratio is greater in the summertime, when
doors and windows are more frequently open to allow for better ventilation, illustrating that this ratio is mainly
governed by the free exchange of the air masses. The chemical composition, size and origin of the suspended
particulate matter have been identified, as well as the bacteria potentially dangerous to the paintings. Some general
suggestions for improving indoor air quality are reported in the conclusions.
