The Oddy test is a procedure created at the British Museum by conservation scientist William Andrew Oddy in 1973, in order to test materials for safety in and around art objects.
Often, materials for construction and museum contexts (including artefact conservation) are evaluated for safety. However, though materials may be safe for building purposes, they may emit trace amounts of chemicals that can harm art objects over time. Acids, formaldehyde, and other pollutants can damage and even destroy delicate artifacts if placed too close.