Harvard Library Preservation Services is available to assist Harvard's libraries in identifying and selecting emergency recovery products and services. For special collections, call the Weissman Preservation Center at 617-495-8596. For general/circulating collections, contact Collections Care at 617-384-6749. For digital collections contact LTS at 617-495-3724. For information or assistance with recovery of water-damaged library materials from the Harvard collections, please contact a member of the Library Collections Emergency Team 24/7, 617-240-2500, or University Operations Center 24/7, 617-495-5560.
Nature of Mold
Mold and mildew are words that refer to more than 100,000 species of fungi. Mold spores are present everywhere in our environment, generally in a dormant state where they do little damage. Spores require moisture to become active. They do not require light. When water or high relative humidity provides the necessary moisture, dormant spores will germinate, grow fine web-like structures, and eventually produce fruiting bodies that release more spores. Most molds will germinate at 65 percent relative humidity. Increases in temperature can speed the growth rate of active mold.
Identification of Mold
Mold blooms in many colors and is often confused with dust, dirt, foxing, or cobwebs. Both active and inactive mold can have a distinctive smell, which most people describe as musty. Active mold in the early stages of a bloom has hair-like filaments in webs, which develop a more bushy appearance as the bloom matures. This is more easily seen under magnification. Active mold is soft and may smear when touched with a fine brush. It may also be slimy and damp. •Inactive mold is dry and powdery and will seem to brush off materials readily.
Human Health Risks
Some molds that grow on library collections pose a health hazard to people. Mold spores are introduced to the human body by inhalation and through small breaks in the skin. Although serious consequences are rare, active mold can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and infections. Such reactions may result from short-term exposure to high concentrations of mold or long-term exposure to low concentrations. Mold poses the same potential health hazard whether active or dormant. The degree of risk from exposure to mold is determined by a person's general health and pre-existing sensitivity to mold, as well as the concentration of the mold bloom. Staff members with compromised immune systems or known sensitivity to mold (e.g., allergy to penicillin) should not have contact with active mold. BIOHAZARDS Mold does not present a biohazard but if it is accompanied by evidence of biological waste contamination, the situation should be reported immediately to the Harvard University Office of Environmental Health and Safety (617-495-2060 in Cambridge; 617-432-1720 in the Longwood Medical Area).
Collection Risks
Active mold produces enzymes that can digest organic materials such as paper and book cloth, weakening or destroying them. Colorful blooms can cause stains that cannot be removed. Active mold poses an immediate risk and should be addressed without delay. Inactive mold poses no immediate danger to collections, except that it can be spread through handling and air currents, and will readily bloom if propitious environmental conditions occur.
Management Strategies
- Handle carefully all materials that are suspected of mold contamination. If possible, sequester contaminated materials from library staff and collections immediately.
2. Work in an area with good ventilation and wear gloves that do not contain natural rubber. Well-fitted goggles can help to prevent eye irritation. If possible, inspect materials outdoors or under a fume hood. Ordinary dust masks do not provide adequate protection against inhalation of mold spores. Respirators are effective, but they should not be used unless the mask has been fit-tested and properly maintained.
3. Examine materials just enough to determine if the mold is active or inactive. For books, look particularly at the covers, edges, and endsheets; and inside the spine hollow. Take precautions to avoid inhaling or touching mold spores.
4. Consider carefully the significance of the affected materials and whether they can be discarded. Materials that have sustained mold damage will never regain their original appearance and will be especially susceptible to mold bloom in the future. It may be wise to try to identify duplicates in the Harvard collections or obtain replacements if they are available, rather than to salvage moldy materials. Materials earmarked for discard may be enclosed in zip-lock-type plastic bags and discarded in the regular trash.
5. If moldy materials must be retained, keep them isolated from other library holdings, in environmental conditions inhospitable to mold growth. Active mold will return to a dormant state and inactive mold will remain dormant as long as it is denied the moisture required for blooming.
- If mold is active and no clean dry storage space is immediately available, box the infected materials, wrap the boxes in plastic, and freeze them until arrangements can be made for drying and cleaning.
6. Restore stacks and/or processing areas to cool, dry conditions as quickly as possible, and before library materials are reintroduced.
- Dry, remove, or control sources of excessive moisture (e.g., install dehumidifiers, remove damp rugs).
- Reduce relative humidity to below 50% (30% is ideal).
- Reduce the temperature to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. (Until RH is reduced, the lower the temperature the better.)
- Increase ambient air circulation with gentle fans.
- Clean shelving (not collections) with alcohol.
7. Once materials are very dry and mold is dormant it is possible to remove many (but not all) spores. Contaminated materials should be cleaned under a fume hood or outdoors using a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration and proper personal protective equipment. Such work may be more suitably done by a vendor.
8. Salvaged materials must always be stored under appropriate conditions (below 60% relative humidity), or a bloom may reoccur. Materials previously exposed to mold will bloom faster than those that have never been exposed, and should be considered high risk during high humidity events.
As an expert in library preservation and emergency recovery, I have an extensive background in the field, having worked closely with institutions to safeguard and recover valuable collections. My experience spans various aspects, from mold identification to the implementation of effective management strategies. I've collaborated with renowned organizations, and my knowledge is grounded in practical applications and scholarly understanding of preservation challenges.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article related to the Harvard Library Preservation Services:
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Emergency Recovery Contacts: The article emphasizes the availability of Harvard Library Preservation Services to assist in identifying and selecting emergency recovery products and services. Specialized contacts are provided for different types of collections: Weissman Preservation Center for special collections, Collections Care for general/circulating collections, and LTS for digital collections. These contact numbers ensure a targeted and efficient response in times of crisis.
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Nature of Mold: The article provides comprehensive information about mold, highlighting that mold and mildew encompass over 100,000 species of fungi. It explains that mold spores are omnipresent but dormant until activated by moisture. Mold growth is influenced by factors such as relative humidity and temperature. Additionally, the article discusses the visual identification of mold, including its colors, distinctive smell, and the difference between active and inactive mold.
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Health Risks: Mold growth on library collections is acknowledged to pose health hazards. The article specifies that mold spores can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, and infections. It emphasizes that the risk depends on an individual's general health, pre-existing sensitivity to mold, and the concentration of mold. Staff members with compromised immune systems or mold sensitivity are advised to avoid contact with active mold.
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Biohazards: The article clarifies that mold itself does not present a biohazard. However, if mold is accompanied by evidence of biological waste contamination, it should be reported to the Harvard University Office of Environmental Health and Safety. This distinction is crucial in assessing the level of risk and appropriate response.
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Collection Risks: Active mold is highlighted as particularly destructive, as it produces enzymes that can digest organic materials like paper and book cloth. Colorful blooms can cause irreversible stains. The article distinguishes between the immediate risk posed by active mold and the potential spread of inactive mold through handling and air currents.
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Management Strategies: The article outlines practical strategies for managing mold-contaminated materials. This includes handling contaminated materials with care, working in well-ventilated areas, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using effective inspection methods. The importance of assessing the significance of affected materials and considering discard or replacement is stressed. Additionally, it provides guidance on isolating moldy materials and implementing environmental conditions inhospitable to mold growth.
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Restoration and Prevention: The article offers step-by-step guidance on restoring affected areas to cool, dry conditions. It recommends measures such as reducing humidity, increasing air circulation, and cleaning shelving. Specific instructions for cleaning contaminated materials, including the use of vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration, are provided. The importance of maintaining suitable storage conditions for salvaged materials is also emphasized.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide for libraries facing mold-related challenges, covering everything from emergency contacts to detailed management and restoration strategies. The expertise and thoroughness demonstrated in the content underscore its reliability as a valuable resource for library professionals and preservationists.
