Moulds and Fungi
Moulds and fungi are both part of the kingdom of fungi. Moulds are multicellular organisms whereas fungi can be unicellular or multicellular. Moulds grow on dead, organic matter and are usually furry or fuzzy. They can be various colours such as green, orange, brown, black, or pink.
Why are moulds and fungi a hazard?
In galleries, libraries, archives, and museums, moulds and fungi present a twofold concern:
- Moulds and fungi can grow on books, paper, textiles, and taxidermy animals. They cause discolouration and in severe cases, disintegration.
- Although contracting a serious fungal disease is rare, people can become allergic and hypersensitive to mould and fungal spores.
Where might we find moulds and fungi?
Moulds and fungi can reproduce by producing spores, and these spores are ever-present in the air.
Spores become activated in damp, stagnant conditions, usually with a relative humidity over 65%. Once activated, the spores start to feed and grow.
Organic materials which absorb moisture during high humidity, such as paper, textiles, glue, some woods, and gelatine on photographs and leather, are particularly prone to being affected by moulds.
Staff from galleries, libraries, archives, and museums should routinely check items that are stored in areas where there is a minimal air flow, such as the corners of rooms or in cupboards.
Mould and fungal growth often occur after a water incident, such as leaks from roofs after heavy rain or broken water pipes. Even if gallery items are not directly affected, the increase in relative humidity may prompt spores to geminate.
What do museums, galleries, libraries, and archives have to do if they have items with fungi or mould?
Before attempting to move or clean items that have mould, ensure you are wearing a dust mask (ideally use a 3M8812 or M9913).
It may also be worth photographing the damage caused by the mould, especially if the item is insured.
Ensure that the item is in a stable condition before you take it to a suitable space to remove the mould.
If you are in any doubt about what action to take regarding the mouldy items, seek advice from a conservator.
The following link from the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory gives excellent advice on how to prevent and treat mould in a gallery, library, archive, and museum environment: https://mgnsw.org.au/sector/resources/online-resources/collection-care/combating-mould/.
Fungal and mould allergies and hypersensitivity
Some people will become hypersensitive to moulds and present with some of these symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Headaches
- Joint pains
- Brain fog
These symptoms have a rapid onset but disappear when the person is no longer around the mould.
People with mould hypersensitivity should not work in an area with mould as the symptoms will reappear and possibly worsen. People that are allergic to moulds will exhibit the same type of symptoms, but they will generally be milder and similar to hay fever.
How can institutions manage mould and fungi in their collection?
Prevention is always better than the cure, so to help prevent mould growth:
- Ensure your institution has good air circulation
- Keep the relative humidity steady and below 60%
- Avoid placing objects in the corners of rooms or in cupboards where there is minimal circulation
- Regularly inspect items for mould.
