Question About Mold In Clay?

[the wallaby]

I'm taking a ceramics class this year, and so naturally, we're working with clay. But when my teacher took the clay out to show us, it had furry green mold growing on the bottom. She told us it was fine, and proceeded to cut some slabs off the top. They had huge discoloured spots on them! Plus you could smell it throughout the classroom. Eww.

So my question to you all, mostly to those with an answer, is- Is mold in clay o-k?

I'm very averted to mold and fungi, so when my teacher announced we were to be touching this loathesome clay, I cringed, and immediatly thought of the health factors. Breathing mold is BAD for you!!! Not healthy! My teacher insists that its perfectly fine, and infact, the moldier the clay, the better! Please... I wish to know the truth.

[Puppy_girl]

i don't really know but it doesn't sound that great.  i mean, i'm allergic to mold so i would have been sneezing my head off, and i'm sure other people probably are/would have been too.
i think the only thing better with mold is those cheeses. 
but as i said, i don't really know.

[nerdbomber6]

I've worked with moldy clay before, and I'm proud to say I lived.
I'm sure it won't kill you to use.
You know, clay dust itself is pretty harmful... in the long run, that is.
I say, use the clay, and wash your hands carefully after. Hehe.
I don't think your life expectancy will be too harmed, and if you're clean about it, you won't get sick or anything, plus, its CERAMICS! only the best art medium in the world!
Don't worry and have fun!

[slb2724]

ive worked with the mouldy clay before, because in a school, you can never seem to get the last person using the clay to clost the bag right . im proud to say that i also lived, and it didnt affect the way my piece turned out