Mould Infested Book Collection
Scope
- Mould infested documents, records or files;
- Mould infested book shelving and associated areas;
What you can expect
- Mitigation and recovery of mouldy book collection or documents;
- Quick response is required to prevent secondary damage to previously unaffected areas of the collection.
- Free advice over the telephone, from anywhere in Australia;
- Immediate site assessment anywhere in Australia;
- Provide recommendations, mitigation and on-site conservation;
- Work is carried out in order to minimise business interruption;
Competencies of Moisture Control Services (MCS)
Since its establishment in 1988 Moisture Control Services (MCS) has become recognised as an industry leader in specialized restoration projects.
MCS has successfully treated mould in library collections and books of significance for clients stemming from the Gold Coast up to Darwin in the north. Clients vary from City Councils, Hospitals, Government bodies and Universities.
MCS can provide inspection and report upon suggested actions and costs when mould outbreak is detected. Psychrometric conditions are measured and details included in the clients report. Data logging of such information can be of benefit depending upon your situation.
In favourable conditions mould will continue to grow and spread within the collection until treatment occurs or climatic conditions change substantially (refer Quick facts about mould).
MCS treatment is conducted after hours, air conditioning system must be operating and fire alarm isolated from treatment area. Due to OH&S no entry of staff, cleaners or security is permitted during and at least two hours after treatment.
All projects are handled with skill and professionalism where individually tailored recovery solutions are designed to assist in minimizing business interruption and down time.
Quick facts about mould
What is mould?
Mould is a type of fungus. It grows on surfaces in masses of branching threads which resemble dense cobwebs. The fertile threads, those which spores, often stand up from the surface into the air to release their spores. Spores are carried by air currents and consequently can spread quickly throughout a book collection.
Where does it come from?
The spores of fungi that become mould or mildew are always present in the air and on objects. When the temperature and moisture in a book collection environment are suitable for germination, the fungus spore bursts and grows into a thread-like filament called a hyphae. The organic material of books is its food source and within a short period it begins to produce spores thereby spreading fungi throughout a book collection.
Environment which favors growth of mould!
The most important environmental factor to control is the amount of moisture in the air and consequently in books and paper. Books and paper naturally contain amount of water. They are hygroscopic, so that when the relative humidity (RH) goes up, they absorb water to achieve equilibrium. At 50% RH, the moisture content of paper is approximately 7%; at 70% RH, it is approximately 10%. Moisture enables mould to absorb nutrients from books and paper substrates, so the more moisture a book contains, the greater are the chances for fungus spores to germinate at room temperature. The potential for mould development on wet books is one important reason why books need to be dried immediately or preserve in a freezer.
Most mould thrives in warm temperatures. When combined with high levels of humidity, temperatures of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius can cause mould to develop. Temperatures below freezing will not kill mould, but they do make it dormant.
What to do when you have a mould outbreak
In libraries customer comfort (21-24 degrees Celsius) in times of high RH (60% upwards) creates ideally environments for mould to germinate. With active mould isolation of affected material is suggested. If small quantity of books is mouldy (10 or less), seal them in air-tight plastic bag. If the infestation is larger, quarantine the area. Isolating mouldy books and papers serves two purposes: it minimizes the spread of mould, and it protects those persons who may have allergies or respiratory problems from harm.
MCS has a propriety means of treating mould outbreaks in libraries or book collections. However, unless the environmental conditions are controlled after the treatment, mould will again germinate in the conditions previously mentioned. MCS as part of its service will try to identify a source if possible – unnoticed leak, a broken window or moisture along outside walls.
Every library and archives should have the means to monitor RH and temperature (this is called psychometry). When favourable conditions for germination of mould develop, you need to modify conditions (re-adjust the HVAC system to lower RH – normally at the expense of customer comfort) or take preventative action. This action includes increasing air circulation and lower RH. Setting up fans to increase air circulation or set-up dehumidifiers to lower RH will benefit the situation.