Initiated by the Institute of Earth Environment, a part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and participated by the scientists from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a US desert research institute, a project to study the indoor air pollution of the Qin Dynasty Terracotta Soldier Museum was recently kicked off. According to a briefing, scientists will make a consecutive observation of the museum?痵 indoor air pollution from March 2005 to February 2007, in an attempt to study the variations of erosive gases, aerosols, and dusts, and work out coping chemical solutions.  The study will produce a comprehensive assessment of the erosion of pollutants to the terracotta soldier preserved in the museum, and design effective approaches to protect the precious heritages.

The project will also help to establish for the museum a special team of experts to provide professional care for the terracotta, a relic environment lab that can operate independently, and a comprehensive database on indoor microclimate, erosive gases, aerosols, and dusts. The efforts will eventually allow scientists to see through the mysteries of the museum indoor air pollution, providing theoretical evidences for rescue protection and repair, and basic evidences for protective measures. 

TONG Mingkang, Deputy Administrator of State Cultural Heritage told reporters that the project would become a pioneering example for museum air pollution control, and provide scientific advice and evidences for the formulation of a national act on museum air pollution control.