Because the energy from fluorescent lamps, visible light, and sunlight causes chemical changes that result in weakening, embrittlement, darkening, or fading of museum objects, conservation lighting is a specialty that is extremely important to their preservation.
Some materials such as paper and textiles are highly sensitive to light; they are exhibited at 5 footcandles. Materials such as metals and ceramics are safe at higher levels. They can be exhibited at 20 footcandles. Specialists must work within these limitations to light exhibits in a way that complement the objects and allow the public to see them clearly.
