The permafrost environment found in the Arctic is generally a favorable environment for preservation. The artifacts, by their nature and composition however, rarely can survive in environments other than their original one. In addition, given the difficulty in access to such sites and remaining on them for any length of time, conservators find that the main line of action consists in developing measures to ensure that the artifacts arrive in sound condition at the laboratories. Field work must be well planned and executed rapidly; wrapping and packing is crucial; transportation costs must be taken into consideration; health hazards involved in handling certain decaying organic materials are noted.