File contributed by Steve Everitt

Reprinted permission of Rootsweb Review

Old photographs are extremely valuable artifacts. They are the 
visual link to our past and they help connect us to our shared 
history in ways that no other records can. Yet they are 
extremely delicate and their preservation can pose special 
problems. The biggest enemies to photographs are light, heat, 
moisture and pollution. These can catalyze chemical processes 
within photographic materials. U.V. radiation can fade 
photographs. Heat and moisture work together to cause chemical
reactions within the photographic media and they also can 
encourage mold growth and insect activity. Heat alone can 
increase the brittleness of a photograph.

Dust can scratch a photographic image and pollutants can carry
destructive chemicals that can react with delicate photographic
emulsions. One of the best things one can do for any 
photographic collection is to ensure a very stable environment. 
Make sure that the storage location is cool, dark and dry. 
Insure that the environment does not suffer from severe 
fluctuations in these conditions. Attics, garages, basements and
wallets are definitely NOT ideal locations in which to store 
precious photographs.

Try to hold photos and negatives by their edges only. Be sure 
not to place your fingers directly onto the photographic image. 
Oils and microscopic dirt on fingertips can cause slow but 
permanent damage to photos. If and whenever possible, separate 
the negatives from the actual prints. Both should be stored in a
cool, dark and dry area. Store important originals in a safe 
place and make copies of these photos for display.

When using albums, care must be given to the type selected. 
There are now many "archival safe" products on the market. 
However, make sure that the paper is acid free and that the 
plastics used are PVC free. Acidic paper turns yellow with time 
and becomes brittle. Even new photos can be harmed if the paper 
touching them is acidic. With regard to plastic storage 
materials, PVC gives off a strong vinyl or "plastic" smell. The
chemicals present in this type of plastic are incredibly harmful 
to photographic materials. Avoid "magnetic" or "sticky back" 
photo albums. These contain harmful chemicals and adhesives that
are detrimental to photos. In time these can permanently bond to
the photo and yellowing adhesives can eventually migrate through
the image.

Using the correct (and often more expensive) materials may seem 
like a needless luxury at first, but the pennies you spend now 
will save dollars if someday faced with a restoration of a 
favorite photo. Think of the expense is an investment: one that 
will ensure that the memories within these artifacts are 
preserved to be enjoyed and studied by future generations.  

For more information on the care of valued photographs be sure 
to visit http://www.photorevival.com 


Previously published by RootsWeb.com, Inc., RootsWeb 
Review: RootsWeb's Genealogy News, Vol. 3, No. 5, 2 February 
2000. RootsWeb: http://www.rootsweb.com/