Super-resistant fungus threatens Danish museum collections

A super-resistant mold from the Aspergillus section Restricti group, capable of surviving extreme environments like deep sea and volcanoes, is damaging artworks and cultural objects in Danish museums. Discovered by a group of Danish conservators, the white fungus has been found in 12 museums, including the National Museum of Denmark and the Skagens Museum, covering important paintings and cultural heritage items. Camilla Jul Bastholm, head of conservation at the National Museum of Denmark, described it as a 'rather serious problem' akin to an epidemic of Golden Age paintings. The fungus attacks museum objects and materials, degrading enzymes and assets. Preliminary studies are underway in 150 other Danish cultural sites to check for its presence. The mold is difficult to detect and combat; it prefers dry environments unlike most fungi, making relocation of artworks potentially ineffective. The research, continuing until year-end, has also found the mold in churches, archives, and libraries. Jul Bastholm suspects it is a global phenomenon. Health concerns arise as the Aspergillus genus can cause lung and respiratory issues in humans, though the specific species' risk is unclear. Contaminated objects may need removal from public contact if health risks are confirmed.