Nitrate film: storage considerations
Nitrate, whether it is negative, transparency, motion picture film, x-ray film, or microfilm, must be stored in a particular way to ensure its life, the safety of the people working with it, and the safety of any other collections nearby. Nitrate that is not stored properly will deteriorate and become more dangerous over time.
- Store nitrate in cold dark storage - a vault or a freezer - at less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 20-30%
- Nitrate should be stored away from all other items, as the acidic fumes from it will damage anything left near it.
- The local fire department should be notified that nitrate is being stored in your facility.
- Negatives should be housed in buffered paper four-flap envelopes or L-weld sleeves, not plastic.
- Smoking, open flame, and high heat should be kept away from nitrate.
- Nitrate freezers should not be kept in the same building as the general collection, as fumes still build up inside them.
(U. S. Department of Interior, National Park Service, 2003, June).