Managing risks from hazardous substances in the Economic Botany Collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: a pragmatic approach

A pragmatic risk assessment framework was developed to manage hazardous substances in the Economic Botanic Collection (EBC) at Kew, identifying over 1300 specimens with potential health risks. By categorizing hazards based on physical form and condition rather than taxonomy or detailed phytochemistry, researchers prioritized high-risk categories through generic assessments. This approach enabled the creation of an Outline Action Plan to mitigate risks for staff, volunteers, and visitors, balancing scientific rigor with practical conservation needs.

Banks, S. B. (2015). Managing risks from hazardous substances in the Economic Botany Collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: a pragmatic approach. Journal of the Institute of Conservation, 38(2), 130–145. https://doi.org/10.1080/19455224.2015.1068200