Digital BW, The Print

Richard Smallfield wrote:
> Sorry to ask about this, but I can't find any information on it.
> 
> Is it really really necessary to store CDs and DVDs in acid-free storage?
> 
> DVDs, especially, are encased in plastic - so I would imagine they are pretty impervious to pollutants. Whether the top of CDs are vulnerable to acids is possibly a more plausible question as they don't have the extra plastic layer.
> 
> Again, feel free to flame me for posting on this!

No flames from me, Richard. It's off topic, but of vital interest. These 
  issues have been discussed on the photo conservation mailing list:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/photoconservation/

In brief, the boffins seem to be saying that CDs and DVDs are quite 
vulnerable to damage by inappropriate storage. Even the standard jewel 
cases, which I had understood were OK, turn out to be hazardous because 
of out-gassing from the flexible plastic insert (the bit with the 
springy hub): 
http://www.conservation-by-design.co.uk/corrosioninterceptpdfs/CD-Insertfinalreport.pdf

Peter Marquis-Kyle