The rash of devastating hurricanes across the United States over the last few years has created a potentially dangerous situation for collectors and institutions now salvaging mold and mildew covered artwork and antique items from flood-affected areas. Mold should be treated very carefully.
Your first priority should be to protect yourself against any health and safety issues associated with exposures to dangerous mold. There are different types of mold. Some pose little or no hazards to humans while others can be toxic. The dangerous molds such as Stachybotrys or Chaetomium can cause serious illnesses. I would suggest that any visible mold should be considered a danger that requires immediate attention and safe handling.
Some molds can be toxic, so it is important to wear the appropriate protection, including gloves and a proper respirator or dust mask.
Stachybotrys is a greenish black mold that grows on material with a high cellulose content, including building materials such as wood, drywall, wallpaper, insulation backing, cardboard boxes and fiberboard. This mold requires very wet and humid conditions for days or weeks in order to grow.
Chaetomium is a common fungal species that is frequently found on deteriorating wood products and often emits a stale, musty odor. Chaetomium colonies are fast growing and start off white in color. As they mature the colonies become gray to olive-green in color.
Mold removal and treatment should usually be performed by trained mold remediation professionals. When inspecting or retrieving salvageable possessions from a flooded building it is important to wear the proper personal protective equipment. Use a respirator/dust mask that has a NIOSH rating of N-95 or higher. The mask must fit and be worn properly. Wear disposable latex gloves and coveralls, as well as goggles for eye protection. Limit the time spent in areas where mold levels are high to 15 minute intervals.
In most situations, surface mold can be removed from artwork using a vacuum cleaner that does not exhaust the spores back into the room. A vacuum fitted with the proper filtration system is recommended.
Under no circumstances should chlorine bleach be used to clean the surface of any work of art, frame, photograph, document or other antique items. An experienced art conservator should be consulted for assistance in dealing with mold-affected materials. In most situations, surface mold can be removed from artwork using a vacuum cleaner that does not exhaust the spores back into the room. A vacuum fitted with the proper HEPA filtration system is recommended. Special attachment micro-tools, speed controls and screens are used by conservators when vacuuming to prevent damage to the art.
After the surface is cleaned of visible mold, the item is subjected to controlled ultraviolet light. Tests are then conducted from surface samples to verify that mold is no longer present. After cleaning, items should be placed in a clean and protected environment with low humidity.
Mold Removal Tips:
• Wear proper protective equipment;
• Never use chlorine bleach;
• Vacuum using HEPA Filters;
• Expose to controlled UV light;
• Place items in low humidity;
• Consult experienced professionals.
Douglas Eisele is from the Eisele Gallery of Fine Art and Old World Restorations, Inc.
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