I have some clay with paper fiber in it that a friend mixed up in late  
April. I forgot it in the back of my car for a week so it got kinda ripe.  
It definitely has an odor. I was just going to pour a little lysol water in  
it and let it sit a bit and use it. But someonse told me that paper clay  
can grow dangerous toxic mold. I googled it and can't substantiate it. So I  
am asking people who may have first had experience with funky-smelling  
paper clay. I posted this to clayart but I don't know if ti got through the  
moderators yet. So I am asking here as well.

Does anyone know if clay with paper fibers can go bad that quickly and  
become dangerous? I really don't want to let mold spores into that humid  
and warm little wooden cottage that I use for a studio. But if it is just a  
bit ripe and is ok to use -- I'd rather just pour a bit of lysol in it and  
use it.

Hoping for some sage feedback.

thanks
DJ

A little Hydrogen Peroxide will cut down the mould.  I wear a dust mask and
re-wedge the clay.  The mould that grows may cause an allergic reaction but
it generally is not toxic.