**4. Assessment of the conservation status of the mural painting in the church of "Archangels Mihail and Gavril," Draghia**

Due to the inclement weather, the precarious conditions of the periods of the two World Wars, and the different social and environmental factors, the painting inside of the church is in an advanced state of degradation. In 2006–2007, the architecture of the church was consolidated and restored, on which occasion the shingle covering, which served as a roof, specific to the Transylvania area was rebuilt. The roof was damaged by rain and perforated in many places of woodpeckers. During the consolidation works, some planks from the vault of the nave were considered by the builder to be much degraded. It is possible that those splinters may have kept vague traces of the paint layer.

Tannins from the wood support and solubilized organic substances were migrated in the pictorial layer in the infiltration zones (**Figure 5**).

Due to the large variations in temperature between day and night, there have been volumetric changes of the wood support, which have caused cracks and detachments at the level of the pictorial layer on extended surfaces. This phenomenon is observed especially on the south side of the church, which is much more strongly heated by the sun's rays compared to the other sides. Due to the unfavorable conditions of microclimate and against the background of some flaws in the technique of painting execution, there is an accentuated dustiness of the painting layer, produced as a result of the degradation of the binder and the loss of cohesion between the constituent materials of the painting layer. Visually, there is a chalky appearance of the surface.

The partial detachments of the textile strips (initially bonded to the joints to create a continuous field for painting) led to exfoliation and loss of paint layer on the respective surfaces. Many such textile strips were completely detached from the

*A Survey of Physical Parameters and Natural Radioactivity in the Wooden Church…*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92063*

**5. Statistical analyses of microclimate parameters: temperature and**

The microclimatic regime inside the church is influenced by the characteristic climate of the latitude and the specific geographical position of the Lapuș Country. Lapuș Country, due to its Nordic position, presents a temperate continental climate with western and Scandinavian-Baltic ocean influences from the north, having a cooler character. Air masses bring abundant snow from the north in winter, and cold rain in spring and autumn. In order to have a better understanding of the changes in the microclimate values inside the church, two stages of temperature and relative air humidity monitoring have been carried out. To this end, different temperature and humidity monitoring systems were installed inside the church to establish an average, and to obtain a high accuracy of the measured values. Passive and active monitoring systems for natural radioactivity (i.e., radon) were installed alongside climatic monitors. The church not being connected to the electrical network, limited the types of equipment used and the time span of measurements. The specific characteristics of monitored environment, i.e., wooden construction, placed directly on stone vaults, without being plastered on the outside and inside walls, and having no heating during the cold periods were taken into consideration for data analysis. Meteorological data were acquired from a local weather station. The first monitoring stage was chosen during winter (February 2019). A Radon Scout (SARAD GmbH, Germany) was placed inside the church and set to record data every 60 minutes. During this period, a minimum value of 5.5°C and a maximum of 8.5°C were recorded, with an average value of 1.73°C (**Figure 7**). The

support, along with the pictorial layer, and were lost.

**relative humidity**

**Figure 6.**

**209**

*Section from the north wall.*

As a result of the degradation of the binder, combined with the volumetric changes of the wood substrate under the action of absorption and loss of humidity, the adhesion of the pictorial layer on the substrate also occurred, resulting in evolutionary detachments, the exfoliation being mainly in the form of roof slabs or scales and isolated alveolar forms.

These degradations were highlighted by direct visual examination and with magnifying glass, in shining light. There are massive losses of pictorial layer, up to the support, due to the wear caused by deletion and involuntary hit of the surface (**Figure 6**).

**Figure 5.** *Semicap altar—degradation caused by humidity infiltration.*

*A Survey of Physical Parameters and Natural Radioactivity in the Wooden Church… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92063*

**Figure 6.** *Section from the north wall.*

midst, and at the top of the iconostasis is a wooden cross painted with crucified Jesus. Portraits of the six Old Testament prophets are painted on the frame of a semicircular opening above the iconostasis, and on both sides of the cross are

**4. Assessment of the conservation status of the mural painting in the**

Tannins from the wood support and solubilized organic substances were

Due to the large variations in temperature between day and night, there have been volumetric changes of the wood support, which have caused cracks and detachments at the level of the pictorial layer on extended surfaces. This phenomenon is observed especially on the south side of the church, which is much more strongly heated by the sun's rays compared to the other sides. Due to the unfavorable conditions of microclimate and against the background of some flaws in the technique of painting execution, there is an accentuated dustiness of the painting layer, produced as a result of the degradation of the binder and the loss of cohesion between the constituent materials of the painting layer. Visually, there is a chalky

As a result of the degradation of the binder, combined with the volumetric changes of the wood substrate under the action of absorption and loss of humidity, the adhesion of the pictorial layer on the substrate also occurred, resulting in evolutionary detachments, the exfoliation being mainly in the form of roof slabs or

These degradations were highlighted by direct visual examination and with magnifying glass, in shining light. There are massive losses of pictorial layer, up to the support, due to the wear caused by deletion and involuntary hit of the surface

Due to the inclement weather, the precarious conditions of the periods of the two World Wars, and the different social and environmental factors, the painting inside of the church is in an advanced state of degradation. In 2006–2007, the architecture of the church was consolidated and restored, on which occasion the shingle covering, which served as a roof, specific to the Transylvania area was rebuilt. The roof was damaged by rain and perforated in many places of woodpeckers. During the consolidation works, some planks from the vault of the nave were considered by the builder to be much degraded. It is possible that those

**church of "Archangels Mihail and Gavril," Draghia**

splinters may have kept vague traces of the paint layer.

migrated in the pictorial layer in the infiltration zones (**Figure 5**).

painted the sun and the moon.

*Heritage*

appearance of the surface.

(**Figure 6**).

**Figure 5.**

**208**

scales and isolated alveolar forms.

*Semicap altar—degradation caused by humidity infiltration.*

The partial detachments of the textile strips (initially bonded to the joints to create a continuous field for painting) led to exfoliation and loss of paint layer on the respective surfaces. Many such textile strips were completely detached from the support, along with the pictorial layer, and were lost.

## **5. Statistical analyses of microclimate parameters: temperature and relative humidity**

The microclimatic regime inside the church is influenced by the characteristic climate of the latitude and the specific geographical position of the Lapuș Country. Lapuș Country, due to its Nordic position, presents a temperate continental climate with western and Scandinavian-Baltic ocean influences from the north, having a cooler character. Air masses bring abundant snow from the north in winter, and cold rain in spring and autumn. In order to have a better understanding of the changes in the microclimate values inside the church, two stages of temperature and relative air humidity monitoring have been carried out. To this end, different temperature and humidity monitoring systems were installed inside the church to establish an average, and to obtain a high accuracy of the measured values. Passive and active monitoring systems for natural radioactivity (i.e., radon) were installed alongside climatic monitors. The church not being connected to the electrical network, limited the types of equipment used and the time span of measurements. The specific characteristics of monitored environment, i.e., wooden construction, placed directly on stone vaults, without being plastered on the outside and inside walls, and having no heating during the cold periods were taken into consideration for data analysis. Meteorological data were acquired from a local weather station.

The first monitoring stage was chosen during winter (February 2019). A Radon Scout (SARAD GmbH, Germany) was placed inside the church and set to record data every 60 minutes. During this period, a minimum value of 5.5°C and a maximum of 8.5°C were recorded, with an average value of 1.73°C (**Figure 7**). The

**Figure 7.**

*Time series distribution of radon and physical parameters in the wooden church of "Archangels Mihail and Gavril," February 2019.*

#### **Figure 8.**

*Weather conditions in the area at the time of study (February 2019).*

average relative humidity of the recorded air was 67.95%, which was well above the recommended of 50–60% [25].

temperature difference of 11°C indoors. These increases and decreases in temperature at such short intervals, which occur quite frequently during the monitored period, are not the most suitable conditions for the state of conservation of the painting. They produce expansions and contractions of the material, causing ruptures and cracks in the oil on the canvas. These frequent repetitions cause the

*Time series distribution of radon and physical parameters in the wooden church of "Archangels Mihail and*

*Time series of indoor temperature during the second measuring campaign (September–October 2019).*

*A Survey of Physical Parameters and Natural Radioactivity in the Wooden Church…*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92063*

Alongside temperature data loggers, a Radon Scout was installed to record hourby-hour data of radon, temperature and rH indoors. During this period, a minimum value of 0.5°C and a maximum value of 18°C were recorded, leading to an average

The data provided by the Baia Mare weather station for the time interval of the second measuring campaign showed an average temperature of 13°C, with a minimum of 4°C and a maximum of 27°C. On the other hand, the values of the relative humidity of the outdoor air had very high values during this period, with an average of 73%, which may have caused and maintained the high humidity inside the

In order to have a more complete overview and to identify the areas with high risk of degradation, during the second campaign, we carried out humidity measurements at different points of the church, both outside and inside [4]. A manually

material to become excessively friable [26].

value of 12°C (**Figure 10**).

*Gavril," September–October 2019.*

**Figure 9.**

**Figure 10.**

church (**Figure 11**).

**211**

The data provided by the Baia Mare weather station for the time interval of interest showed the following outdoor conditions: an average temperature of 1.27°C, with a minimum of 7°C and a maximum of 13°C (**Figure 8**). This fact explains the naturally low temperatures recorded inside the church, which is not equipped with a heating system.

The high values of relative humidity of the indoor air, prompted a second stage of measurements, carried out for 30 consecutive days in September–October 2019. The autumn of 2019 presented unusually warm and dry conditions.

During the second measuring campaign, indoor temperature was recorded using two portable data loggers placed in the two rooms of the church. These data loggers were set to record indoor temperature every 5 min in order to assess the temperature fluctuations with great accuracy. The short-term temperature sampling was used to identify the minimums and maximums of temperature during the 30 days of measurements (**Figure 9**). These extreme values are paramount in assessing the impact of the indoor microclimate on the preservation of wood painting.

Overall, an inside average temperature of 13°C was recorded during the monitoring period. However, the temperature inside the wooden church ranged between 1°C and a maximum of 33.44°C. A 36 h window (23.09.–24.09) showed a

*A Survey of Physical Parameters and Natural Radioactivity in the Wooden Church… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92063*

**Figure 9.**

*Time series of indoor temperature during the second measuring campaign (September–October 2019).*

#### **Figure 10.**

average relative humidity of the recorded air was 67.95%, which was well above the

*Time series distribution of radon and physical parameters in the wooden church of "Archangels Mihail and*

The data provided by the Baia Mare weather station for the time interval of interest showed the following outdoor conditions: an average temperature of 1.27°C, with a minimum of 7°C and a maximum of 13°C (**Figure 8**). This fact explains the naturally low temperatures recorded inside the church, which is not equipped with

The high values of relative humidity of the indoor air, prompted a second stage of measurements, carried out for 30 consecutive days in September–October 2019.

During the second measuring campaign, indoor temperature was recorded using two portable data loggers placed in the two rooms of the church. These data loggers were set to record indoor temperature every 5 min in order to assess the temperature fluctuations with great accuracy. The short-term temperature sampling was used to identify the minimums and maximums of temperature during the 30 days of measurements (**Figure 9**). These extreme values are paramount in assessing the

Overall, an inside average temperature of 13°C was recorded during the monitoring period. However, the temperature inside the wooden church ranged between

The autumn of 2019 presented unusually warm and dry conditions.

impact of the indoor microclimate on the preservation of wood painting.

1°C and a maximum of 33.44°C. A 36 h window (23.09.–24.09) showed a

recommended of 50–60% [25].

*Weather conditions in the area at the time of study (February 2019).*

a heating system.

**210**

**Figure 7.**

*Heritage*

**Figure 8.**

*Gavril," February 2019.*

*Time series distribution of radon and physical parameters in the wooden church of "Archangels Mihail and Gavril," September–October 2019.*

temperature difference of 11°C indoors. These increases and decreases in temperature at such short intervals, which occur quite frequently during the monitored period, are not the most suitable conditions for the state of conservation of the painting. They produce expansions and contractions of the material, causing ruptures and cracks in the oil on the canvas. These frequent repetitions cause the material to become excessively friable [26].

Alongside temperature data loggers, a Radon Scout was installed to record hourby-hour data of radon, temperature and rH indoors. During this period, a minimum value of 0.5°C and a maximum value of 18°C were recorded, leading to an average value of 12°C (**Figure 10**).

The data provided by the Baia Mare weather station for the time interval of the second measuring campaign showed an average temperature of 13°C, with a minimum of 4°C and a maximum of 27°C. On the other hand, the values of the relative humidity of the outdoor air had very high values during this period, with an average of 73%, which may have caused and maintained the high humidity inside the church (**Figure 11**).

In order to have a more complete overview and to identify the areas with high risk of degradation, during the second campaign, we carried out humidity measurements at different points of the church, both outside and inside [4]. A manually

**Figure 11.** *Weather conditions in the area at the time of study (September–October 2019).*

#### **Figure 12.**

operated particle measuring device (Trotec GmbH, Germany) was used to record important climate data such as the relative humidity and the air temperature. The measurements were performed every day between 19 and 19.30 p.m. The 12 points on the outside and inside the church were set at the ground level (**Figure 12**). The recorded data allowed the observation of relevant variations in the values of rH, between the outer and the inner points of the wood surface.

dehumidifier with a setting function allowing the relative humidity of the indoor air

**6. Study on natural radioactivity by measuring the radon concentration**

Exposure to radon in homes and workplaces is now recognized as the most important natural factor in causing lung cancer [27–31]. The international organizations that aim at protecting the public and the environment from exposure to radiation (UNSCEAR, WHO, IAEA, IRPA, and ICRP) are recently paying an increased interest to radon exposure and radiation protection measures [31, 32]. Based on Articles 35-36 of the Euratom Treaty, the most important objective of EU Member States is to monitor and report the radioactivity of the environment [33]. On the basis of international regulations, the problem of radon was assumed in Romania through the national legislation (HG nr. 526/2018, art.23) clearly stating

to be decreased between 50 and 60%.

*Indoor/outdoor variations of relative humidity.*

*Degradation state of paintings near sampling point 10, 11, and 12.*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92063*

*A Survey of Physical Parameters and Natural Radioactivity in the Wooden Church…*

**inside the church**

**Figure 13.**

**Figure 14.**

**213**

The highest average values (80.30, 80.90, and 80.30%) were recorded in sampling points 10, 11, and 12, behind the door of the church. This may explain the state of advanced degradation, the painting being almost completely obliterated, more so than in other areas inside the church (**Figures 13** and **14**).

It is well known that the most important and difficult conservation method is the constant maintenance of the indoor climate of the heritage building by attaining the most favorable temperature and humidity conditions. Taking into account the construction characteristics of the church and research data, it is mandatory to undertake fast solutions in order to stop the advancement of the degradation.

The outdoor climatic changes increase the preservation issues inside the wooden church, causing a constant indoor microclimate fluctuation, making the task of keeping the mural painting in optimal conditions in the long term a very difficult one. Under these conditions, a recommendation would be to install a portable air

*Drawing plan of the wooden church with markings of the 12 indoor and outdoor sampling points.*

*A Survey of Physical Parameters and Natural Radioactivity in the Wooden Church… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.92063*

**Figure 13.** *Degradation state of paintings near sampling point 10, 11, and 12.*

**Figure 14.** *Indoor/outdoor variations of relative humidity.*

dehumidifier with a setting function allowing the relative humidity of the indoor air to be decreased between 50 and 60%.
