Dear Bethany:

I am no expert on film to be sure but I have had a little experience with
this material in a previous position.  I would definitely be concerned about
your film and act urgently.  I would put the film into cold storage
(refrigerated) immediately as this generally inhibits the reaction that
results in the conversion of cellulose nitrate into nitroglycerin.  I would
consult an agency like the Northeast Document Conservation Center or the
American Instiute for Conservation on storage for a longer period and
copying of the film.  It may prove possible to store your film in
refrigeration and have a copy available for research use without having to
destroy it completely.

Good luck.  This is one of those collections management problems I am glad I
don't have!

Eric Brooks
Assistant Director/Curator
Liberty Hall Historic Site
218 Wilkinson Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 227-2560
[log in to unmask]
www.libertyhall.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Bethany Rutledge <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, December 06, 2000 12:55 PM
Subject: cellulose nitrate film


>Hi everybody,
>
>A component of my organization's collections is a couple of motion picture
>reels produced prior to 1951, hence, on cellulose nitrate film. I opened
>the canisters today to obtain some measurements so that I could look into
>estimates to reproduce the film on a safer substance and destroy the reels.
>As one of the canisters was opened, a distinct vinegary odor was released.
>Is this the smell that everyone talks about as signaling deterioration?
>Suddenly, something that was on my "to-do" list has become top priority.
>Should I isolate these reels immediately? And if so, in what conditions?
>I'm thinking about moving them to an outside shed at a little distance from
>the facility.
>
>Any advice would be a help,
>
>With thanks from me and the rest of my collections,
>
>Bethany S. Rutledge
>Director of Collections and Exhibits
>Thornton W. Burgess Society
>East Sandwich, MA
>
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