Much research has been carried out regarding mold and paper products
in studying the preservation of library and archival materials.  An
excellent source for information is the Northeast Document Conservation
Center (NEDCC):

          http://www.nedcc.org/

Their Technical Leaflet, "Protecting Books and Paper Against Mold,"

          http://www.nedcc.org/mold.htm

is very comprehensive.  The following is based on NEDCC suggestions.

Music rolls should be stored in a clean environment where the
temperature is below 70 Degrees F and relative humidity (RH) is below
50%.  Mold growth is almost inevitable at prolonged RH above 70%.

Even though mold spores, active or dormant, are everywhere, it is
a good idea to separate from the rest of a collection music rolls
smelling musty or showing signs of mold.  It is a good idea to store
them in sealed plastic bags until they can be treated.

People can have a serious allergic reaction to mold and some
molds are even toxic.  Consequently, when handling moldy music
rolls, wear gloves, goggles, and a respirator.

Cleaning moldy music rolls is best done by vacuuming outdoors.
See the NEDCC Technical Leaflet for the procedure.

Using heat, gamma radiation, or microwaves on paper products
is generally not a good idea.  For a discussion, see the NEDCC
Technical Leaflet, "Integrated Pest Management,"

      http://www.nedcc.org/pests.htm

A promising approach to stopping mold growth is non-toxic fumigation.
Mold growth requires oxygen.  In a pure nitrogen environment mold
will die.

Joe Orens
VTPB43A@prodigy.com