toxic book molds

["Rebecca B. Stone" <RS4508A@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Greetings all!
     I have what may or may not be an unusual question, and this list seemed
like a somewhat logical place to start my inquiry.  Recently, we received a
gift here in the library of about 200 volumes that had been in the basement of
a house for some time.  None of this is particularly unusual.  However, when I
began unpacking, counting, sorting, etc., as I always do, I discovered
something out of the ordinary.  I tend to be sensitive to dusts and molds
(don't ask why I work with gift books all the live long day...) anyway, and
keep a supply of both surgical and white cotton gloves on hand for when the
going gets filthy.  The point here being, whatever type of mold or dust was on
these books caused me a great deal of discomfort for several days: itching
and caughing (it takes a special talent to breath bookdust, you know).  I've
never encountered books that, well, toxic, before and wondered if anyone on the
list--as many of you are in the preservation, etc. type fields-- had any
thoughts on the matter.  I have a feeling that there was something on the books
besides dust, but regardless it raises larger points.  Namely, the glove
conundrum.  If you were the cotton ones, the dust works its way through, but
you protect the books.  If you wear surgical gloves, you protect your hands,
but it probably is harmful to the books.  Does anyone have any suggestions  for
ways that we can protect ourselves AND the gift books?  Suggestions also be
sent directly to me at rs4508a@xxxxxxxxxxxxx  I would appreciate any thoughts/
ideas/comments anyone has on the subject that might help.   thanks

                             Rebecca Stone, Collection Development Asst.
                             The American University Library, Washington,D.C.
                             rs4508a@xxxxxxxxxxxx