Your Microbiology Expert: Testing, Analyzing, and Advising on Mold and Bacteria Issues.
🔬 Can mold-damaged books be frozen to halt further damage until they can be treated to remove the mold? 🔬 Freezing mold-damaged books can be an effective method to halt further damage and prevent mold growth until they can be properly treated. Here are the key points about freezing damaged books: 1. Freezing is a viable option for most institutions to extend decision-making time regarding the salvage and replacement of water-damaged books and records. It allows time to determine the value and importance of the original materials, review insurance policies, find space for air drying, and handle large incidents in a more controlled manner. 2. Freezing inhibits mold growth, which is crucial for preventing further damage to wet books. 3. If you are unable to dry and clean a damp book immediately, you can place it in a plastic zip-top bag and put it in the freezer. This provides a respite to make decisions about retention, funding, and treatment options. 4. When you're ready to treat the frozen books, let them thaw before attempting any cleaning or drying methods. For large-scale water damage incidents, professional freeze-drying services may be employed to salvage collections. It's important to note that while freezing can be an effective temporary measure, it should be followed by proper drying and cleaning procedures once you're ready to treat the books. Additionally, if the water contamination is severe (e.g., sewage), it's recommended to call a professional recovery service immediately rather than attempting to handle the salvage in-house. #BookRestoration #MoldDamage #ConservationTips #Preservation #LibraryScience
Warren Moir
2mo
Great topic good points Jackson, education will lead to correct handling and determination of outcomes
Mycologist /Mycotec
1moLarge amounts of books can also be kept under 4 degrees in a climate chamber and than slowly dried with a dessicant. Freezing books can damage the cell structure of the cellulose containig pages ( expansion of water) wich would destroy valuable or older rare books . Oce the books are dry don’t forget to HEPA vacuum the outside and inside spine. If possible wipe envelopes with plant based anti fungal and extract spores from the pages via blowing or aspirational. 🍄🍄