Damien Hirst's 2012 Tate Modern retrospective leaked carcinogenic formaldehyde fumes
In 2012, Tate Modern in London hosted a retrospective of Damien Hirst, where his artworks featuring preserved animals emitted formaldehyde gas, a substance recognized as a carcinogen. Researchers utilizing a novel sensor identified airborne concentrations of this hazardous chemical. These results were recently disclosed in the journal Analytical Methods. The Guardian covered the situation regarding Hirst's renowned collection of deceased animals displayed in tanks. The emissions of the gas took place at the Tate Modern during the exhibition.
Key facts
- Damien Hirst's preserved animal artworks leaked formaldehyde gas
- The leak occurred during his 2012 retrospective at Tate Modern in London
- Formaldehyde is a known carcinogenic gas
- Airborne levels were detected by researchers using a new sensor
- Findings were recently published in Analytical Methods scientific journal
- The Guardian reported the incident
- The artworks involve dead animals preserved in tanks
- The exhibition took place in 2012
Entities
Artists
- Damien Hirst
Institutions
- Tate Modern
- The Guardian
- Analytical Methods
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom