This introduction to the topic of museum health and safety touches on hazards, protection, and finding assistance for the safe use of solvents found in paints, varnishes, insecticides, cleaning materials, and adhesives, etc. Threshold limit values, monitoring devices, Materials Safety Data Sheets, and symptoms of overexposure are discussed with a reference chart included. Protection achieved through ventilation design, respirators, and nitrile gloves is described. Agencies which can provide expertise and consultants to local museums in the USA are briefly mentioned. Museums are liable for the protection of employees, volunteers, and visitors.