What is "Foxing"

[steve B]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Steven- in theory it could spread, but it happens so slowly you probably wouldn't notice. It takes decades to grow.

That's for sure Barry. Very slow growing stuff.

I downplayed the slowness because I'm unsure just how slow growing it is. I do know that my 1880's books aren't much different from my 1840's books in how much foxing they have. But I also don't know how long ago each started.

I can't recall seeing foxing on mid 1800's rag paper, and I've never seen it on newsprint. So low acid and high acid environments don't seem to support the mold.

I woudn't worry at all about it spreading, especially in any sort of decent storage. 40-50 years in a humid basement I'd worry but kept in a typical home there shouldn't be any problem at all.

Steve B