Vinegar Syndrome Discover Why Microfilm Microfiche Records Are Decaying
Microfilm microfiche is now considered a legacy format. Even so, it remains the sole form of some government archives. This means that upgrading to digital records that are in compliance with current government mandates means that they need to make sure the physical records can survive until they are able to complete the upgrades. There are some agencies that have made the transition to digital archives but some of them still need to store some of the original film because it’s required and they are legal records.
One of the growing problems is that these physical records are beginning to deteriorate around the world. This is especially true for microfilm that was made before the 80s and that is made from cellulose acetate base. That type of material is particularly vulnerable to acids, moisture, and heat.
If someone has microfilm and they haven’t checked it this year then they should. Those things can begin to deteriorate and while it might start off slowly it can then speed up if they’re not caring for their physical records properly. Once the microfilm has been damaged it usually cannot be restored. If staff catch the material starting to deteriorate early enough then they can slow down the effect if properly treated and if done so early.
Signs That The Microfilm Might Be Starting To Decay
1. You Notice Discoloration
If staff start to see a tint of pink or blue on the microfilm that’s a clear sign that it’s starting to turn acidic. They can also check for spots that are any color as that is another sign.
2. It’s Starting To Buckle
If they see some bubbling or shrinking then this is another sign of deterioration. When a lot of acidic gas is present it starts to build up and causes the microfilm to begin crumbling.
3. The Storage Is Starting To Deteriorate
If staff notice that the containers storing the microfilm have signs of deterioration that too is an indicator that the microfilm is at risk. If the storage units are rusty or crumbling then it means there are gases present.
4. Staff Start To Smell Vinegar
Decaying microfilm puts off a vinegar-like smell. This is one of the biggest indicators that there is a problem. It’s actually a condition called vinegar syndrome. When the microfilm is exposed to moisture and heat it can accelerate the deterioration. The film builds up and then starts to release acidic acid. The acid then evaporates and is absorbed by the storage containers that the microfilm is kept in and it all becomes trapped. That then accelerates the decay of the microfilm.
Once microfilm starts to deteriorate it will eventually be unreadable. After a certain point, there won’t be any way to restore it. It is possible to significantly slow down the process.
If someone finds that the microfilm is starting to deteriorate then there are a few options available. There is modern microfilm which is water-resistant and stable up to a hundred years. It’s a good option for maintaining physical records. If help from the right party is secured then it is possible to stabilize the current archives.
At the very least staff should transfer the documents to stable microfilm whenever possible. That will mean digitizing them later will be easy. Management can learn more about their options by getting a free briefing.