Microfilm reels and microfiche sheets are subject to natural deterioration as well as damage from improper storage and disasters. With proper storage and maintenance they can be preserved for hundreds of years. Humidity levels and temperatures in microfilm and microfiche storage facilities should be rigidly controlled. Wet microfilm and wet microfiche often require decontamination as well as drying. There are several processes that are used in microfilm drying and microfiche drying to repair
water damage and avoid
mold growth: anoxic treatment, desiccant dehumidification and vacuum freeze drying. Improper microfilm and microfiche drying causes the photographic paper to deform, break or stick together. Get your wet microfilm and microfiche to a drying specialist fast. Mold and fungus can be removed but this is not something you should try yourself. If you find fungus or mold on microfilm or microfiche, isolate it to avoid spreading contamination and call a microfilm and microfiche drying specialist.
