Resistant Mould  May Consume Fungicide
News Release for 4 February 2005

We at Tantec have recently discovered another cause of mould problems in wet blue leather.

For many years, when mould is seen, the first step taken is to send off samples for fungicide content analysis.  Usually, the results show low levels of fungicide. Conclusion : do we need to add more fungicide?

Tantec research revealed that the moulds are often very resistant to the fungicide.  Is this the cause of the infection? Then why do these infected leathers end up with such low levels of fungicide?  

We have discovered a new explanation!!
Perhaps the mould is NOT due to low levels of fungicide.  
Perhaps the mould actually destroys the fungicide…?

To test this idea, Tantec staff carried out some research.  We exposed a mould that was very resistant to a number of fungicides to TCMTB.
It destroyed 60% of the fungicide active.

What Does This Mean to the Tanner?
  1. When mouldy leather is analysed, and shows low fungicide levels, it may be because the mould has destroyed most of the fungicide.  Analysing leather for fungicide is often of no use at all.
  2. We MUST do a proper screening test quickly.  Contact Tantec as early as possible.