Blast freezer protocols

Rebecca Hatcher <rebecca.hatcher [at] yale__edu> writes


>In addition to Dick Smith's response to the entire list
>(Conservation DistList Instance: 25:27 Saturday, December 3, 2011),
>I received three individual responses:
>
>...
>The third reported experiencing mold growth when freezers are left
>off for significant periods, and prefers to leave them on at all
>times. This prevents water from melted ice buildup from encouraging
>mold growth in the dark, humid interior of the freezer.

It is my understanding that the presence or absence of light does
not directly contribute to the grow of mold.   Mold will occur where
there is a lack of good air circulation, enabling undisturbed growth
to flourish. Leaving a light on in a storage area will have little
impact on mold, though if it produces a signification source of
heat, accompanied by moisture, that may be a contributing factor to
encourage growth.

That we encounter mold in unlit areas has more to do with the
absence of movement than with the absence of light.  If placed
outdoors in direct sun, the mold is being dried out (as with
alcohol).  I believe the presence of the UV radiation, or the sun's
illumination contributes minimally to the eradication of the mold.

Hilary A. Kaplan
Training Specialist
National Archives and Records Administration
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740
301-837-0998





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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:31
                Distributed: Saturday, December 31, 2011
                       Message Id: cdl-25-31-003
                                  ***