Thread: Cell rot

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Celluloid gives off nitric oxide. Just add water, you get nitric acid.

Ergo, I suspect that the best thing you can do, as far as we know, is to not "add water." In other words keep the thing dry as best you can. Keep desiccant packs in with it. Keep it away from humidity. Store it in a dry place, and most importantly, watch, watch, watch.

Why do some last for a hundred years and then start to decompose? Something happened. We may not know what but we do know that water is the universal solvent. Water is the source of all life as we know it. If it's a chemical reaction, water is probably needed. If it's a microorganism, it probably needs water to exist. Maybe I'm a haughty fool or a simpleton but I think that until some lab coated geek tells us something else that's the best you can do...and pray. Praying is always good.

Edit: BUT as Tim pointed out you could remove your prostate for fear of cancer but personally, I think I'll check it often and wait until there's something to worry about.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I always thought it smelled more like Vinegar when you rub them.

They're the ones made with cellulose acetate. The nitrocellulose ones release nitric oxide. Both acidic and corrosive