Re: [ARSCLIST] Cleaning moldy video tape

[steven c <stevenc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx" <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Steven:
> As Richard stated, the binder matrix (recording layer) is a mix of many
> things.  In addition to the polymers (plastics), there are lubricants,
> surfactants, abrasives, oligomers, numerous contaminants left over from
the
> manufacturing process and a potential "stew" of other components that the
> manufacturers will not release.  The fungus does not actually eat the
> "plastics" but, rather, the other components in the recording layer.
>
> Unfortunately, this does mean that your audio tapes, including cassettes,
> can develop mold if they are exposed to the wrong conditions.  In one job
we
> did we identified eight (8) different kinds of mold growing on a single
> audio tape.
>
Well, I've got mould growing on my bread...mould growing on my bathroom
ceiling...all I need is mouldy casstettes...!

> Let's hope that no one ever does breed effective "'plastic'-loving
> organisms" to deal with "waste disposal" until someone else has already
> developed effective "alternate" energy sources.  As plastics are made of
> petrochemicals, any "plastic-loving" organism would likely be very happy
> gobbling down oil.  I pay enough for gas as it is without some critter
> eating up what is left!
>
If no one has written a science-fiction work based on that as a plot,
somebody ought to!

Steven C. Barr