Cob: light clay infill question

[Charmaine]

Hi John, good to hear from you too.   My comments are based on basic 
 accepted principles that clay is nonpathogenic, otherwise over time ALL 
clay would develop bacterial-mold growth and the earth would be covered 
with it.  This I have read in books, can't refer to the source, but 
geology/pottery books have this type of info, also  some earth building 
books.

In addition I have clay lying about in many uses here on the north coast 
and the only time I see any growth,   usually moss or grass, is when 
organic material is left at the surface, i.e. not buried.  as it is with 
fibers in cob.

I have tubs, and buckets and lumps of clay in bowls, sitting in water, 
no water, etc. and I never see any growth of anything. There is NO food 
value for molds unless, say birdseed fell into a bucket with clay, then 
things happen eventually.

SO if cobbers are coating the straw or fibers ( I use sawdust, paper, 
etc. which will  HOST something in the right condition) with clay 
completely while making cob then it is not a problem.

In addition I have a huge vat of unfinished paper-fiber crete ( no 
cement) It sits in the shade with a cover over it- perfect for some sort 
of growth, but none occurs because there is lime in the mix of 
clay-paper. It literally retards any growth of anything, which is why 
farmers whitewashed barn walls.

I have been here on the wet north coast for over 5 years, and 
grasses/molds/green stuff will grow on fiber doormats (organic jute 
etc.) only when some starter material is present to allow growth.

Your client should call the Ag dept. or the building dept. to see if 
they have any info. on this "famous" mold. I have not seen any.  
Although I just saw a huge stick frame home going up with a monster 
closet (facing a beautiful view of the redwoods), with nary even a tiny 
a WINDOW that would allow light and inhibit any Black mold famous here.

Everyone knows that when you leave clothing ( with bacteria and minute  
food particles on them) in a cold, dark closet with little air 
circulation that mold will grow. Except these stupid monster house 
builders I guess.

as a note I read somewhere that this toxic mold issue is due to the 
complete plastic sealing of buildings, etc with off gassing materials 
that don't breathe, so maby have a bit of a draft in an old house is a 
good thing eh? and of course remember that lawyers are benefiting from 
this, litigation cases are continuing to soar..

Ms. Charmaine  Taylor/ Taylor Publishing
http://www.dirtcheapbuilder.com    http://www.papercrete.com
PO Box 375, Cutten (Eureka) CA 95534
707-441-1632     tms at northcoast.com