Presently there is much concern over the effect of microfilm and film degradations and the risks of losing important document archives. Vinegar Syndrome occurs when cellulose triacetate, the material used to create film stock, starts to break down. When this happens acetate ions begin to react to moisture and create acetic acid. This chemical reaction produces a vinegar like smell for which the process is aptly named. This process has set off an alarm within the history as it is causing invaluable historic records to slowly fade away.
In the 1950′s Eastman Kodak Company discovered the effects of Vinegar Syndrome. Because of the timing of this discovery, the related facts and solutions came too late for some collections of microfilm and film. This very condition is responsible for destroying more than 75% of silent film and before 1950 more than have off all films have been lost as well. In fact, archives across the globe are even now being slowly corroded by the resulting acid.
The effects aren't only harmful for the film, but for those who handle it as well. The fumes associated with the chemical break down sends harmful contaminants into the air causing serious problems for people. Minor effects alone cause dry eyes, itchy skin and problems with breathing. Wearing contacts can cause injury to your cornea when in these environments. Both people and film are at risk from the effects of this problem.
There are proven methods for slowing Vinegar Syndrome. One of these methods is to simply control the storage environment. Storing in area with a lower temperature and lower levels of humidity will increase film and microfilm life. Numerous rules have been established on both storage and maintenance of film stock.
The Image Permanence Institute of Rochester, New York (IPI) has discovered that the ideal conditions for film storage are 50% RH at a temperature of 70′ Fahrenheit which provided the film 40 years before the occurrence of Vinegar Sydrome. This however must take into consideration the condition of film before any procedure is made to save it. This creates issues for those with archives that are far too dated to be save by this particular procedure.
It is also important to consider a decrease in degradation when placing film and microfilm in cold, dry environs. Although it is typically better to house in such conditions there must be some percentage of moisture present within the are to ensure that the film does not become excessively dry which will result in damage as well. This places the industry in a tough place because even a minimal amount of moisture will allow for the chemical breakdown to take place.
One other way to increase the life of an archive is to use Molecular Sieve technology. This technology has proven to be a phenomenal achievement towards deterring this sydrom due to its ability to absorb moisture, methylene chloride and acetic acid. The way in which the material is packaged allows the sieve to breathe. The many advantages can be recognized when using such technology in the preservation of archives. Before time runs out, microfilm scanning may provide an invaluable solution.
Due to innovative new technologies, some film and microfilm can be successfully transferred onto a more reliable medium, such as Blu-Ray and DVD. One major problem with this solution is that not all film is able to be successfully transferred. In some instances the microfilm may have experience too much damage in order to stand up to the transfer process. The journey to more durable mediums may be too far to travel considering both the current condition and the surrounding procedure.
In many instances the ideal way to preserve an archive is to entrust it to Restoration Service which is able to restore it to a condition of usability. Some of the restorations methods include the washing and neutralization of acid that has built up on the film. The process often also includes the repair of degraded areas and the transfer of film through the frame by frame FXF procedure. All of the steps implemented in this procedure include being careful to avoid the use of any gear or sprockets that may rip or damage the film in any other way. This makes it necessary that the restoration process is performed only by a professional as the process can either save the item of value or permanently destroy it.
The immediate need to stop the degradation cause by Vinegar Syndrom as well as restorative measure must be considered in order to preserve the history of the film industry and invaluable microfilm records. There is much that has already been destroyed due to the damaging effect of this common form of film aging. Restorative procedures have become the focal point of the film industry today as it is now recognized that archives are slowly being destroyed and may eventually become lost for all time. New images that have been produced will benefit from the knowledge of all that has been lost as well as new and innovated methods and mediums that have been and will continue to be created to save treasured memories and important records.
Have you ever heard of the vinegar syndrom? It is important to learn about that and microfilm scanning. We are going to share some advice with you.
No comments:
Post a Comment