The threat eating away at museum treasures

Re:The threat eating away at museum treasures by proee on Tuesday January 27, 2026 @07:29PM (#46789313)

I've had to deal with mold more than I care to discuss.

The key is to keep humidity down (relative to temperature). There is a concept of "Days till Mold" growth. Once you're past this number all bets are off.

Here is a chart that shows Days to growth. If museums can stay in the "no risk" zone then artifacts should be good. If they fall outside that zone, then artifacts are at risk.

https://energyhandyman.com/knowledge-library/mold-chart-for-...

Example: At 85'F and 84% Humidity, it will take 7 days for mold to grow into your nostrils and reach your brain.

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Re:The threat eating away at museum treasures by Raidion on Tuesday January 27, 2026 @07:32PM (#46789340)

I'm not sure you read the article, these are molds that love low humidity. Controlling for humidity made these environments more attractive, not less.

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Re:The threat eating away at museum treasures by hex4def6 on Tuesday January 27, 2026 @08:29PM (#46789843)

The article is literally about how the efforts to keep humidity down have resulted in the growth of these extremophiles.

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Re:The threat eating away at museum treasures by padjo on Wednesday January 28, 2026 @03:58AM (#46792779)

Wow, you should go tell those highly specialised conservators with decades of experience this. It's incredible that you know more than them! You're so smart.

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Re:The threat eating away at museum treasures by padjo on Wednesday January 28, 2026 @11:34AM (#46797626)

I'll take the down votes. I think it's a moral imperative to mock this sort of incurious self aggrandisement on sight.

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