 In addition to mollusk shells , various other natural history specimens are susceptible to this form of decay , including eggshells and some fossils and mineral samples that are composed of calcium carbonate . This condition is of concern for museum scientists , and also for anyone who has a private collection of specimens of these kinds . In order to avoid Bynesian decay , the use of metal , non @-@ reactive polymers and acid @-@ free materials of archival quality are preferred over common paper , wood @-@ based materials , ordinary glues and varnishes in collection environments . Management of affected specimens includes washing and thorough drying , with a subsequent <unk> to an archival setting . 
