Occupational Diseases in Art Conservators and Restorers: A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This review examines health issues among art conservators and restorers, finding common problems like respiratory symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders.

Contribution

The study provides a systematic synthesis of occupational health risks specific to cultural heritage professionals.

Findings

Respiratory symptoms were the most common issue, affecting 28% of cases.

Musculoskeletal disorders affected 14% of cases, mainly from poor posture and repetitive tasks.

The review found significant gaps in how studies assess exposure and report health outcomes.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although cultural heritage conservators and restorers face consistent exposure to a multifaceted range of occupational hazards, research on their health remains limited. This systematic review aims to explore and synthesize the prevalence and types of occupational diseases among conservators and restorers of cultural heritage. It also intends to map populations, interventions, contexts and other relevant information to assess the current state of knowledge and identify gaps in the literature on the occupational health of conservation and restoration professionals. Methods: The systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the Cochrane handbook. Eligible studies were identified through comprehensive searches of databases, and inclusion criteria were applied to select relevant articles. The protocol was designed according to PRISMA 2020, Prisma-ScR guidelines and the Cochrane handbook. The searches were conducted on 23 May 2024 in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science (core collection). The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane method for non-randomized studies (RoBANS). Results: Respiratory symptoms were the most prevalent occupational health issue, affecting 28% of cases. General symptoms and abdominal issues each accounted for 20% and 18%, respectively, while musculoskeletal disorders were reported in 14% of cases, primarily affecting the neck, back, shoulders and wrists due to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements. Dermatological and irritation manifestations were reported in 10% of cases. Additionally, 10% of cases involved specific diseases such as pneumonia and cancer. The risk-of-bias assessment revealed significant methodological heterogeneity, with notable gaps in exposure assessment and disease outcome reporting across studies. Conclusions: This analysis highlights the different health risks faced by conservators and restorers of cultural heritage, underscoring the need for standardized methodologies and prospective studies to increase the data on occupational risks.

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