To glove or not to glove? Investigations into the potential contamination from handling of paper-based cultural heritage through forensic fingerprinting approaches

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Conservation Science
• Material Science

Background:

• The debate on handling cultural heritage objects necessitates objective data on glove efficacy.
• Previous assumptions about handwashing efficacy require re-evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of handwashing and glove use in preserving information on paper cultural heritage objects.
• To provide objective data for informed decisions regarding glove use in object handling.

Main Methods:

• Utilized forensic fingermark development techniques: 1,2-indandione and single metal deposition II.
• Examined fingermark transfer through polymer and cotton gloves.
• Assessed fingermark residue levels after handwashing and direct handling.

Main Results:

• Fingermarks did not permeate through polymer glove types.
• Fingermarks were found to permeate through cotton gloves.
• Observable fingermark residues were higher 5 minutes post-handwashing compared to unwashed hands.

Conclusions:

• Polymer gloves offer effective protection against fingermark transfer on paper objects.
• Cotton gloves provide insufficient protection, allowing fingermark permeation.
• Handwashing prior to handling may inadvertently increase observable residues, challenging prior recommendations.