Cob: moldy straw

Wed Oct 2 14:08:41 CDT 2002

Hi,

I'm seriously allergic to mold.  Small amounts can make my throat and 
tounge swell.  I've mentioned to the group before that I was concerned 
about cob and mold, I know that I need to test a cob building for my 
sensitivities before settling on this building technique.  Since I won't be 
able to travel to visit any cob buildings anytime in the near and slightly 
distant future, I thought my next best bet would be to try out the 
ingredients.  My main concern is with the straw.  Even when it has 
been properly harvested and maintained and doesn't contain levels of mold 
detectable to most, I could possibly still be allergic to normal levels of mold 
that exisit on the straw.  For example, I cannot tollerate foods which 
contain levels of mold...no cheese, overly ripe fruit, bread that is more than 3 
days old...

So I would like to ask the advice of the group...first does anyone know if 
certain types of straw might be less moldy.  Does anyone who currently 
lives in a cob house have any insight into this issue?  How do I go about 
obtaining samples of straw for tollerance testing? I don't even know how to go 
about purchasing small quanties or finding where to purchase them.

Will take any advice I can get on the matter....Also, I think that 
composting toilets are out for me..can anyone give me info that might let be 
believe otherwise...I like the idea of composting toilets...I want to visit 
one...but will have to figure out how to find one close by...

Thanks,

Jennifer
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<DIV>Hi,</DIV>
<DIV>I'm seriously allergic to mold.  Small amounts can make my throat and tounge swell.  I've mentioned to the group before that I was concerned about cob and mold, I know that I need to test a cob building for my sensitivities before settling on this building technique.  Since I won't be able to travel to visit any cob buildings anytime in the near and slightly distant future, I thought my next best bet would be to try out the ingredients.  My main concern is with the straw.  Even when it has been properly harvested and maintained and doesn't contain levels of mold detectable to most, I could possibly still be allergic to normal levels of mold that exisit on the straw.  For example, I cannot tollerate foods which contain levels of mold...no cheese, overly ripe fruit, bread that is more than 3 days old...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>So I would like to ask the advice of the group...first does anyone know if certain types of straw might be less moldy.  Does anyone who currently lives in a cob house have any insight into this issue?  How do I go about obtaining samples of straw for tollerance testing? I don't even know how to go about purchasing small quanties or finding where to purchase them.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Will take any advice I can get on the matter....Also, I think that composting toilets are out for me..can anyone give me info that might let be believe otherwise...I like the idea of composting toilets...I want to visit one...but will have to figure out how to find one close by...</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thanks,</DIV>
<DIV>Jennifer</DIV></BODY></HTML>

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