Mold

Recognizing and Responding to Mold Incidents in Your Collection

Notes, June 6, 2014

Molds are part of the natural environment. Molds are fungi that can be found anywhere - inside or outside - throughout the year. About 1,000 species of mold can be found in the United States, with more than 100,000 known species worldwide

Initial Response

  • Protect yourself and staff
  • Isolate affected materials
  • Locate source of humidity
  • Lower the humidity & temperature
  • Increase air circulation

Identification

  • Active or Inactive?
  • Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Call an expert when in doubt
  • American Industrial Hygiene Association:

Cleaning Up Mold: How to get rid of it

The first step to mold cleanup is to control the moisture problem. The source of the water must be identified and corrected.

Porous materials with extensive mold growth should be discarded (e.g., drywall, carpeting, paper, and ceiling tiles).

All wet materials must be thoroughly dried. If that is not possible, they should be discarded.

Mold growing on hard surfaces (e.g. wood and concrete) can be cleaned. Small areas can be scrubbed with a cleaning rag wetted with diluted detergent. Rubber gloves and a dust mask are recommended for jobs other than routine cleaning. For a large mold problem or if you are highly sensitive to mold, an experienced professional should do the work.

In areas where it is impractical to eliminate the moisture source, a 10% bleach solution can be used to keep mold growth under control. In areas that can be kept dry, bleach is not necessary, as mold cannot grow in the absence of moisture. When using bleach, ensure that enough fresh air is available because bleach may cause eye, nose, or throat irritation.

Continue to monitor the area for new mold growth and signs of moisture. This may indicate the need for further repairs or material removal.

Vendors

  • What does your standard service include?
  • How many qualified workers can you assign to this project?
  • Do you use any chemicals?
  • What industry standards do you follow in your work?

Final Word

Wear a N95 disposable respirator

Use disposable gloves if handling the material

Goggles or protective eyewear should be worn

Don’t touch your eyes or mouth if you’ve touched a moldy item

Wash your hands as soon as possible once vacated infected area

Take a shower and wash your clothes in hot water and bleach

Illnesses due to exposure to mold can result from both high-level, short-term exposures and lower-level, long-term exposures.

Resources

“Information About Mold.” New York City Department of Health. 2013.

“Molds and Moisture.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2013.

“A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2013.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Conservation Online.

Contact Information:Nancy E. Kraft, Preservation & Conservation Department,319/335-5286, , blog: