Javier,

The old cure was to soak the afflicted shell in alcohol for a day, wipe it
off, let it dry, and coat it with mineral oil.  There may be a better
cleaning method now, I don't know.  Prevention requires control of humidity
and air flow.  The shells should not be subjected to acidic fumes (like
those from oak) and must be kept dry.  The cabinet should allow some air
circulation as this will help prevent a humidity build up.  Many people now
keep their shells in ziplock plastic bags.  No one really knows the long
term effects (good or bad), but it would seem like a way of keeping out
humidity.

Tom Eichhorst in New Mexico, USA


> After a long time keeping my shells in packets in a bad way, I'm putting
> them now in a nice cabinet, but I have found that several ones have a
white
> powder on the surface. I think it's the famous "Byne's disease" but I'm
not
> sure.
> Can you tell me if it's this disease and how can I avoid it and recover
the
> affected shells?
> Thank you
>
> Javier lopez (My mother,1968)
>