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Identifying Mold on Paper
No items with mold, mildew or insect infestation will be accepted in MLAC.
As stated in the Packet for Depositing Libraries:
"All items must be free of loose dust and debris. No items with mold,
mildew or insect infestation will be accepted."
MLAC will also not accept items that have been treated for mold because of the
potential that mold spores may still be present.
Definitions
Mildew
-
Plant Pathology. A disease of plants, characterized by a cottony, usually
whitish coating on the surface of affected parts, caused by any of various fungi.
-
Any of these fungi. Compare downy
mildew, powdery
mildew.
-
Any of similar coatings or discolorations, caused by fungi, as that which appears
on fabrics, paper, leather, etc., when exposed to moisture.
Mold
Gray or black spots will often indicate mold, especially if coupled with a musty odor.
-
A growth of minute fungi forming on vegetable or animal matter, commonly as a downy
or furry coating, and associated with decay or dampness.
- Any of the fungi that produce such a growth.
(Defintions courtesy of Dictionary.com)
Mildew and mold are not the same thing but they are both a type of fungi.
Mildew is "a growth caused by micro-organisms, whose spores, in a moist, warm
environment, become molds. They derive their food from the substance on which they
form, e.g., the materials of a book. During their growth they produce citric, gluconic,
oxalic or other organic acids, that can damage paper, leather, cloth, etc. They also at
times produce color bodies, leading to staining which is difficult to remove."
(source)
Most of us associate mold with the furry stuff that grows on food left too long in the
refrigerator. While it can appear on books like this, particularly after a major water
leak or flooding, it also shows up in more subtle forms and in a variety of colors. Gray
or black spots will often indicate mold, especially if coupled with a musty odor. However,
mold can be any color depending on the material upon which is growing.
Mold spores are present everywhere and only need suitable conditions to develop into mold.
What Causes Mold to Develop?
High temperatures plus high humidity seem to be the biggest culprits in causing mold.
- Water leaks or spills
- High humidity
- Warm temperatures
- Stagnant air and dim light
- Chemical composition of material
- Any combination of these conditions
Barring a large leak or flooding, high temperatures plus high humidity seem to be the biggest
culprits in causing mold.
General guidelines suggest keeping the temperature between 65°-75° Fahrenheit and
relative humidity between 45%-65%. "However, some common molds can grow at temperatures as
low as 50° Fahrenheit and in relative humidities as low as 45%."
(source)
For more detailed information on humidity, temperature and the additional factors that
contribute to mold growth, continue reading Invasion of the Giant Mold Spore
by Sandra Nyberg (Solinet Preservation Leaflets).
She covers these topics extensively as well as providing useful and in-depth information
on prevention and suggestions for environmental modifications for your building or environment.
As she states: "maintenance of proper environmental conditions will prevent mold growth."
(source)
Health Issues Related to Mold
You should wear disposable rubber or plastic gloves, a lab coat and a respirator whenever
handling moldy materials.
Some of the molds commonly found in library and archival collections can cause serious health
problems including respiratory infections, headaches, nausea, and eye and skin irritation. People
predisposed to upper respiratory problems such as allergies and asthma should not be exposed to
areas affected with mold, even if they wear a respirator.
For health reasons, even a small mold outbreak should be taken seriously. You should wear
disposable rubber or plastic gloves, a lab coat and a respirator whenever handling moldy materials.
Ordinary dust masks are not sensitive enough to filter mold spores, use a respirator with a HEPA
(high efficiency particulate arrestant) filter.
Be aware that respirators are ineffective if used improperly; for example, people with facial hair
will not be protected because they can't get a tight fit. Training staff about proper fitting and
use of respirators is essential. Wash protective clothing in hot water and bleach.
(source)
Several Web sites provide great information on a variety of topics related to the preservation of
books and paper. CoOL: Conservation OnLine (a project
of the Preservation Department of Stanford University Libraries) and the
"Conservation Advice"
section of the State Library of Victoria are especially helpful and user friendly.
CoOL provides an easy to use index and the State Library of Victoria has Information Guides on
everything from packing and storing books to suppliers of conservation material and equipment.