Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Beginner's Questions => Topic started by: Buzz-On on August 27, 2010, 02:17:56 pm

Title: Plastic Slides Cover seeping something
Post by: Buzz-On on August 27, 2010, 02:17:56 pm

I'm scanning in old 35 mm slides which are in these plastic snap-shut frames with plastic windows.  I noticed that there is something wet in some of the slides, I assume a reaction from being in contact with the plastic window.  Sometimes the exterior of the window also has a coating of something that would almost seem like it's simply water, except it has a sweet plastic smell to it.

If this IS something coming out of the plastic and or the slide, has anyone heard if  this is something that should not be touched, or is it harmless.

Thanks so much!

Title: Re: Plastic Slides Cover seeping something
Post by: JeffColburn on August 28, 2010, 02:11:22 am

If the plastic pages holding your slides are made of PVC, that may be the problem as plasticizers can leach out. Read this http://www.loc.gov/preserv/care/photo.html and this http://www.stormtrack.org/archive/0635.htm

Have Fun,
Jeff

Title: Re: Plastic Slides Cover seeping something
Post by: Buzz-On on September 09, 2010, 02:44:59 pm

Thanks so much, Jeff!  That helps a lot.  One other follow up.  In the news I've seen that some are wondering if the plasticisers in PVC may be harmful to people if it leeches through their skin or is somehow ingested.  Has anyone heard of any concerns to health because of this?  Thanks!