Microwave drying

Karen Motylewski <kmoty<-a t->uts< . >cc< . >utexas< . >edu> writes

>Now to the real questions, which I've never been able to get
>answered (and no, I haven't pursued it very seriously): I gather
>that vacuum freeze drying will not kill mold spores.  Like VFD,
>microwaving should kill live mold, since it contains and depends on
>water.  Molecular excitation could heat the water enough to kill the
>mold.  What about conidia?  What temperature is required to kill
>"spores?" Once non-viable, can those spores still trigger allergic
>responses?  What about mold-borne toxins?  Are they contained in
>spores?  Do they remain active once the spore is no longer viable?

It is unfortunate that you did not read either publication by
Brezner and Luner, either that in Library Journal or the Tappi
article.  Both contained all the cautions you noted and more.  In
neither was any reference made to any work that you did or any
connection you might have had.  Nevertheless, your comments are well
taken, yet they are only anecdotal and good results are still
obtained by individuals who proceed in an organized fashion with
particular problems which they have tested and referred to the
guidelines by Brezner and Luner.  One has to keep in mind the old
story of the person who hears how a camper performs an appendectomy
on himself in the wild, this person then tries it themself, but it
turns out "badly".  One can conclude from this that surgery for
appendicitis is not a good idea or understand that personnel trained
in medical procedures will routinely complete the operation in a
successful fashion.  The difference is caution, care and training. I
do think that such a person who reads Brezner and Luner's articles
will find the microwave useful in certain circumstances.  But,
perhaps someone should do a more extensive study of drying, pest
control and mold eradication.

Niccolo Caldararo
Director and Chief Conservator
Conservation Art Service

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:40
                 Distributed: Tuesday, October 28, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-40-005
                                  ***