Mold on bone

This is in response to Gina Overshiner's question about treating
mold on bone.

I would not expect dry bone to support mold growth unless the local
environment was extremely humid for long periods of time. Rather
than focusing on the ambient storage environment, it may be more
likely that the bones were not completely dry from the field when
they were bagged in plastic for storage. It would be interesting to
learn if any kind of organic consolidant was used on the bones,
which would also contribute to the potential for mold growth.

As to suitable solutions, I recommend avoiding bleach or any
chlorine- based treatment. Swabbing with a dilute solution of
ethanol may be sufficient to remove and kill the current mold
growth. Minimize the introduction of any more moisture.

It is important to make sure the bones are not stored in a damp
condition. They should be allowed to air dry slowly, without the
application of heat. Damp bone will crack and delaminate if dried
out quickly. Your idea of storing in acid free tissue, as opposed to
plastic, is a good one.

Jane Ketcham

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:90
                  Distributed: Tuesday, April 22, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-90-003
                                  ***