Vinegar Syndrome

Vinegar syndrome is a chemical of degradation that occurs with cellulous acetate film and is characterized by an obvious vinegar smell. Vinegar syndrome is a slow form of chemical deterioration that causes film to shrink, buckle, and emit a strong vinegar odor. This applies to media (microfilm) made with acetate backing; most film of this type was made prior to 1980. The degradation process releases acetic acid, the same substance in vinegar that gives it its smell which is the identifying characteristic of the degradation process.
There are three basic strategies for dealing with vinegar syndrome:
  • Improve storage conditions by reducing moisture and lowering the temperature.
  • Quarantine any films identified as having vinegar syndrome to prevent the spread.
  • Duplicate the film or convert it to a digital media.