| As
gourds dry out they go through a molding process. For this
reason gourds should always be kept outside while they are in
this stage, and kept outside even after they are dried.
I try to do all my cleaning outside also, but since we have long
winters that is not always possible. Sometimes I will need
to get some new ones cleaned if I run low for projects or for
sale. I try to keep this at a minimum especially now since
I have learned more on the dangers of mold spores.
When
you work with moldy gourds you are releasing millions of mold
spores which are the culprits in health problems.
Dan
Dunkin, of The Gourd Reserve, has some wonderful information on
molds and their dangers at his site found here.
http://thegourdreserve.com
Some
symptoms of gourd flu that I've heard talked about mainly affect
the respiratory system. But from what I read at Dan's site,
mold can be tied to a lot of other problems such as, lupus, MS,
brain damage, cancer and the list goes on.
When
handling gourds you should always wear a respirator and gloves
to help prevent spores from entering your respiratory system.
If you don't you are increasing your chances of getting gourd
flu.
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