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Re: Mold Problem



I would like to second Gloria's comments.  After repeated exposure over a
two-month period to several mold-infested collections, I ended up with a
horrific case of bronchitis, inflammed arteries in my lungs, and a raging
fever for nearly a week (and I usually go two or more years between colds!).
While it could not be proven conclusively to be directly related to the
mold(s) that I was exposed to, the opinion of the doctors was that there was
indeed a causal link between the repeated exposures and the illness.

Since this time, I and my colleagues take any sign of mold with utmost
respect.  In fact, our Conservation Unit has decided that mold is such a
serious concern that we out-source the cleaning of any such materials to
appropriate companies (such as Document Reprocessors).

Just my $0.02 worth.

-Steve


----- Original Message -----
From: Gloria Bartowski <gbartows@MAIL.NYSED.GOV>
To: <ARCHIVES@LISTSERV.MUOHIO.EDU>
Sent: Thursday, August 17, 2000 6:34 AM
Subject: Re: Mold Problem


Sharon:
    You bring up a very interesting issue and I can't help but put in my
$.02!  I recently had experience is reviewing some very moldy records!
     It is important not only to test the air quality, but to take samples
of the mold itself to determine its toxicity to people.  Your state or
county health department may do this for you. Many of us work with records
with recent mold activity  and we need to take precautions while in contact
with such material.  It is often an issue of length of exposure and
frequency of exposure that  can affect one's health.
     In my work in New York, I have had to get a physical exam by an MD
specializing in environmental medicine and be outfitted with a respirator
(one that fits my face and may be worn by no one else) by a qualified
industrial/environmental hygienist.  In cases of severe mold the addition of
a Tyvek suit (aka "moon suit") is  necessary as are latex gloves when
handling moldy records.  In these cases an employer may wish to consult a
firm that will handle a particularly messy situation.  Of course, the only
solution in certain cases may be to destroy the records since they may be
damaged beyond the capacity to salvage them--or salvaging is too risky to
personnel. People before records!
    To some this may sound extreme, but the inhalation of mold  can be a
health hazard.  There is a great likelihood that the mold of which you speak
is standard garden variety- to sensitive individuals this can be bad enough.
But there are some very pesky buggy little spores that are quite toxic.  It
is also suggested that anyone with respiratory problems or allergies refrain
from working in moldy environments.  These particular issues are between the
person, their physician and their employer.
      I don't bring this up to alarm anyone, but rather to inform.  My hope
merely is to bring greater awareness to this issue so we no longer view mold
so casually.

Gloria A. Bartowski
State Education Department
State Archives
Room 9C71 CEC
Albany, NY  12230
(518) 474-6926
gbartows@mail.nysed.gov

>>> Sharon.Butcher@ARNOLD.AF.MIL 08/17/00 07:52AM >>>
In light of a mold problem which has developed in a secure vault here, I am
seeking input from others who have dealt with the same problem. Mold has
grown on both hardbound volumes,  some softbound reports, and especially on
the paperboard holders which contain softbound reports. Dehumidifiers are
being used to reduce the moisture, so the problem is resolving to some
degree. However, I am told that all the mold problems began when a new
chiller was installed for the HVAC here in this section of the building.
Because it is a classified vault, it is only open, for relatively short
periods of time, when staff require access to these documents. It is closed
99.44% of the time.
Small dehumidifier collection reservoirs (the gallon-size or so container
which one empties) have tipped out, spilling water, thereby creating another
problem when the machine did not automatically stop. New humidifiers are on
order, but I don't know when the will arrive. I would be interested in
knowing how others have dealt with this problem, and the clean-up of the
mold. Air quality studies are under way.   Thanks, in anticipation, for any
input/suggestions.

As an aside, the recent posting about the ARCHIVES! song, (sung to the tune
of "Rawhide") had me in stitches. To somewhat quote Clint Eastwood, who was
a star of that series, that posting 'made my day'. What a great western that
was. Eric Fleming as Gil Favor, Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates, ...can't
recall the colorful, bearded, often unappreciated cattle drive cook. Great
series.

Sharon Lee Butcher
Reference Librarian
AEDC Technical Library
100 Kindel Drive, Suite C212
Arnold AFB, TN  37389-3212
Phone:  931-454-4430
Fax:  931-454-5421
e-mail:  sharon.butcher@arnold.af.mil

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