4. Fighting micro-organisms

Molds are able to grow within certain limits of temperature, osmotic pressure and other environmental conditions. Outside these limits, they can survive without growing or reproducing. A spore can remain dormant for years, if external conditions are not conducive to its growth. But like all living organisms, molds can die, for example if they dry out or are attacked by toxic, physical or chemical elements. In order to eradicate or prevent fungal contamination, treatments applied to graphic documents and in conservation warehouses can be mechanical, chemical or physical. It should be emphasized that no single treatment is capable of treating documents, surfaces and atmosphere all at the same time. Each of these elements must be treated differently. It goes without saying that the methods and products used must not alter the materials of either the premises or the graphic documents....