The Vatican says it may consider limiting the number of visitors to its Sistine Chapel to prevent further damage to Michelangelo's famed frescoes.

Museum Director Antonio Paolucci says the paintings — which include the famed scene where God gives life to Adam — are being damaged by the breath, sweat and heat from the nearly 20,000 visitors that visit the chapel each day.

In an article in the Vatican newspaper Wednesday, Paolucci says the air conditioning system installed in the 1990s is no longer sufficient in dealing with the amount of dirt and dust from the visitors.

The director says that although he does not see limiting visitors to the chapel at present, it may be considered in the future.

Wednesday marks the 500th anniversary of the frescoes' inauguration by Pope Julius II.