{"id":24,"date":"2020-07-02T14:54:57","date_gmt":"2020-07-02T14:54:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-dev.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/?page_id=24"},"modified":"2025-10-10T19:33:42","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T19:33:42","slug":"mold-pest-and-water-damage-response","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/mold-pest-and-water-damage-response\/","title":{"rendered":"Mold, Pest, and Water Damage Response"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Sending materials to Preservation Services<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Suspected mold or pests:<\/strong> Please place item inside sealed plastic bag, include a BLUE Mold and Pests streamer, and route to Preservation Services.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wet or damp book:<\/strong> Please place item inside a sealed plastic bag, include a PINK Rush Request streamer, and route to Preservation Services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Water response<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2023\/07\/How-to-Respond-to-a-water-leak-in-the-Library2023-1.pdf\">How to Respond to a Water Leak in the Library<\/a> (<em>pdf<\/em>)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/wiki.illinois.edu\/wiki\/display\/libemployees\/UIUC+Library+Emergency+Planning+and+Disaster+Response+Wiki\">UIUC Library Emergency Planning and Disaster Response Wik<\/a>i (<em>staff login required<\/em>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Additional mold information<\/h2>\n<p>The following provides information to help discern if an item has been infested with mold.<br \/>\n\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">What is mold?<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id1_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id1_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id1\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id1\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"What is mold?\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id1\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nMold is a type of fungus which is a simple-celled microorganism that feeds on living organisms as well as dead organic materials, such as those found in libraries. According to the National Park Service there are around 1.5 million mold species.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">What causes mold?<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id2_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id2_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id2\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id2\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"What causes mold?\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id2\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nThe predominant cause of mold is excess water. Excess water can come from liquid water, as a result of leaks, or water vapor, as a result of high relative humidity due to improper storage, faulty humidifiers, or HVAC malfunctions. While most research shows that fungal growth is most prevalent in conditions in which relative humidity is above 60%, humidity levels below this threshold alone will not prevent mold growth, given the fact that favorable germination environments vary from species to species, and therefore libraries should always be on the lookout for mold growth in their collections.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">What does mold do?<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id3_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id3_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id3\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id3\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"What does mold do?\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id3\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nMold can have detrimental effects on materials ranging from discoloration and deterioration to further spread of infestation. Even a small mold growth can turn into a large infestation of not properly dealt with in a timely fashion.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">How can mold be identified?<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id4_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id4_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id4\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id4\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"How can mold be identified?\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id4\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nMolds come in various colors and sizes, but most molds encountered in a library environment have a characteristic musty odor and active mold has distinct three-dimensional texture and fuzzy appearance. One can differentiate mold from dirt or foxing by these characteristics. <strong>Always err on the side of caution and bring questionable materials to Preservation for further review.<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">What do I do if I find mold growth?<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id5_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id5_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id5\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id5\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id5\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"What do I do if I find mold growth?\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id5\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nIf you notice mold growth, quarantine the material in a bag and bring the item to Preservation in Room 425 of the Main Library. We will assess the item for appropriate treatment, in most cases this means vacuuming the item or irradiation to eradicate the spores. Be sure minimize contact with the mold, as contact may cause further spread of the infestation. Wash any exposed skin that has come into contact with the moldy material and examine the area the item was located for any other moldy items. If there is evidence of an outbreak please inform Preservation staff.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">How can mold be prevented?<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id6_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id6_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id6\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id6\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id6\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"How can mold be prevented?\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id6\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nThe best method of mold prevention is a robust environmental monitoring program in tandem with regular cleaning of shelving stacks to ensure proper conditions for collections. The National Park Service recommends that RH levels should always be kept below 65%. If RH exceeds this level please contact Preservation for a portable dehumidifier and further assistance.<br \/>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">Examples of moldy material<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id7_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id7_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id7\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id7\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id7\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"Examples of moldy material\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id7\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\"><br \/>\nThe best method of mold prevention is a robust environmental monitoring program in tandem with regular cleaning of shelving stacks to ensure proper conditions for collections. The National Park Service recommends that RH levels should always be kept below 65%. If RH exceeds this level please contact Preservation for a portable dehumidifier and further assistance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_82\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-82\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/magnifiedmold.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-82\" src=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/magnifiedmold-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of active mold\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/magnifiedmold-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/magnifiedmold.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-82\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Note the three-dimensional texture which is characteristic of active mold growth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1971\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1971\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_81\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-81\" style=\"width: 200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/moldypage.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-81\" src=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/moldypage-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Mold spots and water damage on the page of a book\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/moldypage-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/moldypage.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-81\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The mold seen here is characteristic as it displays a variation in color and shape. There are also tide lines which point to previous water damage that incubated mold growth.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><figure id=\"attachment_80\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-80\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/mold_on_cover.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-80\" src=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/mold_on_cover-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Mold on the cover of a book\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/mold_on_cover-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2021\/01\/mold_on_cover.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-80\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">This instance of mold has developed under the plastic book cover. Again, the mold has a characteristic shape and color, despite not being easily identifiable or three-dimensional upon first glance.<\/figcaption><\/figure><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1971\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1972\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1972\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1972\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1974\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1974\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1974\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n  <div id=\"ui_lib_panel\" class=\"shortcode sh-w-full !sh-border !sh-border-gray-300 sh-drop-shadow-sm sh-mb-2\">\n    \n    <div class=\"shortcode sh-w-full sh-px-3 sh-py-1.5 sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black sh-flex sh-justify-between sh-items-center sh-relative\">\n      <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-base sh-font-semibold sh-no-underline\">Examples of non-moldy materials which may appear moldy<\/span><\/div>\n      <div>\n        <div class=\"sh-flex sh-flex-col\"> \n          <div><span class=\"shortcode sh-text-xs sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id8_label\" > expand <\/span><\/div>\n          <div class=\"sh-flex sh-justify-center -sh-mt-1\"><i class=\"shortcode fa-solid fa-caret-down sh-text-xl sh-font-semibold sh-transition sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out sh-bg-neutral-200 !sh-text-black !sh-no-underline ui-lib-coll-pan-id8_arrow\" ><\/i> <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <button type=\"button\" id=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id8\" class=\"shortcode sh-absolute sh-top-0 sh-left-0 sh-w-full sh-h-full sh-bg-transparent focus:sh-outline-none focus-visible:sh-ring focus-visible:sh-ring-orange-700\" data-toggle=\"ui_lib_collapse\" data-target=\".ui-lib-coll-pan-id8\" aria-controls=\"ui-lib-coll-pan-id8\" aria-expanded=\"false\" title=\"Examples of non-moldy materials which may appear moldy\"><\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <div class=\"shortcode sh-text-black sh-block sh-h-auto sh-max-h-0 sh-overflow-hidden sh-transition-max-height sh-duration-500 sh-ease-in-out ui-lib-coll-pan-id8\"  inert>\n      <div class=\"shortcode sh-px-2 sh-py-2\">\n<figure id=\"attachment_202\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-202\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/cockroach.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-202\" src=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/cockroach-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Top view of book with dark marking indicative of cockroach manifestation.\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/cockroach-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/cockroach.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-202\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Insect damage: Staining such as this is caused by cockroach feces rather than mold infestation; this is discernible by noting that the staining is not textured.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1975\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1975\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1975\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_203\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-203\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/foxing.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-203\" src=\"http:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/foxing-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Orange-red splotches on paper, called &quot;foxing.&quot;\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/foxing-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/82\/2025\/08\/foxing.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-203\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Foxing: These red, rust-colored spots are the result of imperfections in the paper making process rather than an active mold infestation. Foxing does not affect the physical integrity of the paper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1978\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1978\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1978\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"further_reading_8\">Further Reading<\/h2>\n<dl>\n<dd>\n<p class=\"citation\">Florian, M. E. (2004).\u00a0<em>Fungal facts: Solving fungal problems in heritage collections<\/em>. London, UK: Archetype Publications.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<dd>\n<p class=\"citation\">\u2014-. (1997).\u00a0<em>Heritage eaters: Insects &amp; fungi in heritage collections<\/em>. London, UK: James &amp; James.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<dd>\n<p class=\"citation\">National Park Service. (2007, August). Mold: Prevention Of Growth In Museum Collections.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/museum\/publications\/conserveogram\/03-04.pdf\"><em>Conserve O Gram<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<dd>\n<p class=\"citation\">Northeast Document Conservation Center (2007). 3.8 Emergency Salvage of Moldy Books and Paper. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nedcc.org\/free-resources\/preservation-leaflets\/3.-emergency-management\/3.8-emergency-salvage-of-moldy-books-and-paper\"><em>Preservation Leaflets<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sending materials to Preservation Services Suspected mold or pests: Please place item inside sealed plastic bag, include a BLUE Mold and Pests streamer, and route to Preservation Services. Wet or damp book: Please place item inside a sealed plastic bag, include a PINK Rush Request streamer, and route to Preservation Services. Water response How to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":245,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-24","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":263,"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24\/revisions\/263"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wordpress.library.illinois.edu\/collections-care\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}