In a message dated 7/28/01 3:00:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, CAMONTER-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: << Hi Everyone, Monterey County officials are planning to destroy a building adjacent to the County Courthouse due to asbestos contamination. While the historical value of the building itself is in debate, it has been revealed that the basement of that building contains numerous original county documents [as yet specifically unknown]. Does anyone have specific information on how best to conserve asbestos contaminated documents? The mere thought that these irreplacable documents could be totally destroyed within the year absolutely appalls me. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in "fighting to preserve" these documents. Thank you, Anita C. Monterey County >> Hello, Anita, There are companies who specialize in disaster recovery of paper items, equipment, etc. like due to flooding, etc. I don't know who is in the California area, but if you will use major search engines for key words like DISASTER RECOVERY DOCUMENTS, you should find someone. Or contact FEMA. Unless the boxes were stored in an attic with the insulation, I don't know that they would be actually contaminated. Might want to wear gloves or face mask if you think a lot of the "dust" settled on them. If they were in sealed containers or cabinets, may be just a matter of taking the unopened containers elsewhere and carefully (gloves, masks) removing them and using fans or blow dryers to blow or suck dust away from documents and you. If documents are fragile (probably so), would be best to do scan / microfilm them right away and destroy the originals unless they are really something special in the way of treaties, or other signed documents. Oh, Anita, there is a history museum in Monterey County with a gentleman in charge ... I don't have my notes with me just this minute. I need to contact him about some other information from early 20th century. Maybe you have his name, email add, etc? Talk to me off-list. Thx. Wishing you the best, Gayle in Michigan