What Materials Should I Avoid When Choosing Containers For Important Documents?
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Introduction
Choosing the right containers for your important documents is essential for proper preservation and protection. Some materials can cause damage over time, making it vital to identify and avoid those that may jeopardize your valuable documents.
Materials to Avoid for Document Storage
Not all materials provide the same protection level for important documents. Using inappropriate containers can lead to issues such as deterioration, discoloration, or physical damage due to chemical reactions with the document materials.
- Plastic containers that contain PVC, known for releasing harmful chemicals over time, making them unsuitable for long-term document storage.
- Cardboard boxes lacking acid-free certification, which can lead to acid migration, resulting in yellowing and weakening of paper over time, thereby compromising document integrity.
- Rubber bands that can degrade paper, leave marks, and become brittle, ultimately risking potential damage to the documents.
Understanding the Problems with Certain Materials
Recognizing why specific materials should be avoided aids in making informed choices regarding document storage. Some materials emit harmful chemicals while others fail to offer adequate physical protection.
- PVC plastic emits harmful chemicals, including chlorine gas, accelerating paper degradation and leading to irreversible damage.
- Non-acid-free cardboard often includes lignin, which can cause yellowing and weakening of paper materials over time, jeopardizing their longevity.
- Rubber bands can lose elasticity, stretch out, and potentially tear documents or leave residues that can damage paper, making them unsuitable for document preservation.
Conclusion
By selecting appropriate materials for storing your important documents, you can ensure their longevity and preserve their condition effectively. Always opt for acid-free and archival-safe materials to protect your valuable papers and prevent deterioration or irreversible damage.
Expert Quote
Megan McKinney, Conservator at the Library of Congress
It's crucial to use archival-quality materials for document storage. Materials like PVC and non-acid-free boxes can wreak havoc on the integrity of paper, leading to irreversible damage.
Article in Preservation Journal, 2020
Relevant Links
How to Preserve Family Archives (papers and photographs ...
https://www.archives.gov/preservation/family-archives/storingCollecting and Managing Your Personal and Family Records: Papers
https://libguides.colorado.edu/PersonalArchiving/PapersArchival Document Storage Tips & Techniques | Armstrong Archives
https://www.armstrongarchives.com/archival-document-storage-tips/Optimal Paper Storage: How to Preserve Paper for Long-Term ...
https://blog.mesltd.ca/optimal-paper-storage-how-to-preserve-paper-for-long-term-protectionHow Can Physical Preservation Prevent Document Degradation?
https://andersonarchival.com/learn/how-can-physical-preservation-prevent-document-degradation/Most popular questions
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