What is "Foxing"

[rainier2004]

Thanks Barry for the help, its appreciated. The sellers disclosing that info sound both honest and knowledgable. If the card isnt sprayed will the mold continue then?

[drc]

Age spots. One some items they're almost desirable as they show old age.

[barrysloate]

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

[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

[steve B]

It depends on the storage conditions. Molds usually like dampness and warmth. Remove those and they die. The problem is the spores which will stay active for a very long time so when the humidity and heat are brought back they begin growing.

On the good side, the stuff that causes foxing seems to be rather slow growing. And I'm pretty sure it needs a certain acidity to live. so deacidification and good storage should stop it for a long time.

Steve B