Access reinstated for Sudan Archive

On 8 June 2023 we introduced special handling measures for one of our collections having discovered trace of the insecticide DDT on a record sample.

We were alerted to the fact of historical insecticide treatments of documents and the associated risks by The National Archives in London which also recently found similar traces in one of their collections. Our response has been modelled on the consultations, research and analysis The National Archives then undertook to assess any risks of harm to the public associated with handling such material. Our new special handling guidelines also closely follow those subsequently adopted by The National Archives. Once these special measures are in place and followed we can be confident any risk is minimal. A scientific paper recording The National Archive’s research methodology and test results is available.

The following collection is affected:

• Sudan Archive

Researchers using this collection in our Search Room will be asked to:

• sit in a designated area reserved for this category of material
• wear disposable nitrile gloves to handle material
• wipe down at the end of the day any personal equipment used – camera, laptop, magnifying glass etc.
• refrain from touching face, eyes or mouth whilst viewing the records and to and wash hands thoroughly with soap once finished

These special handling measures will continue to be applied to this collection while further testing and research takes place. This work may prove that any risk is insignificant and in which case these measures will be withdrawn, but if and until that is the case we will continue to act with an abundance of caution: the safety of the public and our staff members are our first concern.

Image: Helicopter spraying a field of cotton to control the jassid pest, Gezira Cotton Scheme, 1950s (D.M.H. Evans collection, SAD.711/2/4)