So I have been researching about Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) over the past while and I came across this lovely example in the lab of the major danger associated with PVC. Many of us have our family photos kept in ‘plastic’ photo albums – most of these are going to be made from PVC. The biggest danger to our valuable family photos isn’t fire or theft, its the album itself! The plasticizer is very prone to migrating to the surface of PVC, if it’s not removed it forms what’s known as sweat beads. These beads destroy photos! Take a look at the two images below to see just what kind of damage can be caused!
Later in the month I’ll do up a more detailed blog post about PVC. Till then, if you want more information about how to protect your photographs have a look what the British Library and The National Archives have on the topic.
