Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: mold remediation in collections 2. RE: Plaster sculptures reinforced with carbon rods ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Fernanda Mokdessi Auada Posted: Saturday September 27, 2025 3:26 PM Subject: RE: mold remediation in collections Message: Dear Alice, Gamma irradiation is a highly effective procedure for eliminating microorganisms such as fungi, spores, and insects. Contaminated collections must be sent to a facility to be irradiated, with the advantage of processing occurr in the shipping packaging. This technique does not require quarantine (material doesnt become radioactive), doesnt produce heat, is a rapid proccess and doesnt requires subsequent procedures other than individual objects dry cleaning to remove any potential pathogenic residues from fungi. Gamma irradiation inactivates microorganisms by targeting their DNA or the water in their cells, causing them to fail.It can be applied to most materials. Take care with glass and acrylic wich undergo color changes. Im speaking from Brazil, so I wouldnt know where to indicate gamma radiation processing in the United States. There are a growing quantitie of studies on this subject, with extensive bibliography. In Grenoble, France, there is NucleArt, which is specialized at gamma radiation processing of cultural materials and collections. In Brazil, at IPEN, USP - University of So Paulo, where I developed my pHD on the application of gamma irradiation in combating fungi on paper. If you need more information or bibliographical references, please contact me. Best wishes, Dra. Fernanda Mokdessi Auada FOLIO Preservation+55 11 99528-4047 ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 9/26/2025 11:15:00 AM From: Alice Paterakis Subject: mold remediation in collections Dear Colleagues, We have organic and inorganic objects with mold contamination and want to determine the best way of cleaning and decontaminating these objects before bringing them into our collection space. We also wonder if freezing kills all forms of mold ? If so, what temperature and duration is required? The objects are currently stored in lockers off-site. We had one company analyze swabs that confirmed mold but did not identify species. Do PPE and protocols depend on species found? We are currently looking at the Midwest Mold Removal company that uses GM2000 (a Goldmorr System product for mold and spore elimination) and an anti-microbial disinfectant. The MSDS for GM2000 does not identify the ingredients of the product! We are looking for recommendations for mold remediation companies that people have used and are happy with. Any advice you can send would be most appreciated. Thank you, Alice Boccia Paterakis Head of Conservation Missouri Historical Society St. Louis MO 63105 [email protected] . 2.From: Barbara Mangum Posted: Saturday September 27, 2025 7:43 PM Subject: RE: Plaster sculptures reinforced with carbon rods Message: I have experience with both plaster sculptures and sculptures of stone, which have similar problems at times. For plaster sculptures with iron dowels or inserts, it is most important to keep that they are stored in environments with very low relative humidity. If things have progressed to the point that you are considering removing the dowels, this can be fraught with problems. Often the expansion of the iron has created many stress cracks, which may or may not be obvious. If the sculpture is of any size, it is important that any dowel you insert be rigid. Plaster, like stone, cannot flex. If your dowel allows flexing, it could inadvertently cause the plaster to break. I hope this is helpful. Barbara Mangum Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 9/26/2025 3:54:00 AM From: Melanie Schneppel Subject: Plaster sculptures reinforced with carbon rods Hello everyone, Does anyone have experience with restoring plaster sculptures? I work as a restorer in a museum with many plaster sculptures and reliefs. Many of them have iron reinforcements. Some have come loose due to severe rust. Does anyone have experience with whether plaster can also be reinforced with carbon rods? My predecessor replaced some of the reinforcements with stainless steel. Considering the weight, maybe carbon is a good alternative? Or is carbon too brittle? Of course, I don't want to replace intact reinforcements. Thanks a lot! ------------------------------ Melanie Schneppel Objects Conservator Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Bonn Germany ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. To unsubscribe from this community discussion, go to https://community.culturalheritage.org/HigherLogic/eGroups/Unsubscribe.aspx?UserKey=d16eaa87-0f69-494b-9f2f-303dbc1222e1&sKey=fab9aa4f27a04c5d876e&GroupKey=757a8f16-505f-4323-8e74-e376757aa9f7.
