Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I'm planning an experiment where I observe "forgotten" tubs of sour cream, to see when mold begins growing on it. However, I can't find the types of mold that commonly grow on that particular dairy product, and more importantly, if they're dangerous. If they can become airborne, I'll have to take the sour cream out of the original packaging, so it's important I know this before I can design my experiment. Can you please help me out? Thank you!

Hi,

Here's a good fact sheet from the USDA about mold: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/FactSheets/Molds_On_Food/. It suggests that the mold can be dangerous (though moreso because bacteria can grow along with it).

Have you considered simply finding a way to make the lid so you can see through it? Then you could keep it in its original container (just with a see-through lid) and throw it away when you were done without opening the lid and exposing yourself to the mold.

Thanks for the suggestions! They should help:)