SEM investigations on old maps with canvas support

Digitization of cultural heritage, has started to play a major role in sustainability; also, old maps investigations can be a valuable source of information. These should be carefully handled by archive workers and those who are studying them, because mycological content can increase both human health and environmental problems. These, together with the conditions in which are stored can deteriorate the composition of the cellulose fibers, respectively the canvas fibers on which are glued. Samples were collected from old maps dating to 1895 and 1910 by specific means and methods in order to investigate their mycological content which revealed the presence of Penicillium ssp and Fusarium spp. Scanning electron microscopy - analysis (SEM) was done for the mentioned materials in order to determinate the deterioration of the fibers.