Preserving the Collection: Disaster Planning, Response & Recovery

 How do paper conservators go about treating mold damage? The Northeast Document Conservation Center has an excellent blog post about the conservation of South Carolina’s constitutions. https://www.nedcc.org/about/nedcc-stories/sc2

 Mold is a danger to collections and to people. Don’t forget to take care of yourself while you take care of your collections.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nbAa0ekcXM

 Does an object in your collection show signs of a fungal infestation, but can’t be removed from display? Or perhaps your conservation facility is off-site, or simply does not have the treatment space available? On page 3 of this 2010 IIC newsletter, conservators from the Islamic Arts Museum of Malaysia describe the development of the Fungus Trolley, which allows them to treat artifacts safely in the display areas. https://www.iiconservation.org/system/files/publications/journal/2010/b2010_3.pdf

  There are numerous resources online that provide information and guidance on how to “deal” with mold. This is a brief synthesis. Mold grows on organic materials in suitable conditions: relative humidity higher than 65%, oxygen and lack of air circulation, temperatures preferably in the range of 50 – 95°F. Mold decomposes the organic material (something we are usually trying to safe) and produces substances that can cause illnesses and allergic reactions. During intervention on a mold outbreak: make sure to protect yourself first: wear nitrile gloves and make sure mold does not come into contact with your skin; wash hands after removing gloves; do not eat and drink in an environment where mold is present; wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as FFP3 dust mask and goggles, up to respirators and body suits in case of large outbreaks; try to identify and address the cause(s) of the mold outbreak; create some air circulation, using fans; use dehumidification equi...