Freshly excavated archaeological iron was stored in deoxygenated aqueous solution using chemical oxygen scavengers. The most promising results were obtained using sodium sulphite although the latter must be used in conjuction with a biocide in order to control anaerobic bacterial corrosion due to the presence of sulphate reducing bacteria. A warning is given concerning the proper use and disposal of biocides, and a suggestion made that possible alternatives for controlling bacterial activity need to be sought. Table, graphs, references.