Other issues in film decay

Besides hydrolysis affecting the base, water can damage film in other ways.  As described before, to create the moving image, two important elements are necessary: the base (nitrate, acetate, or polyester) and the emulsion.  If the film is subjected to immersion in water, the emulsion will soften and begin to separate from the base. Also, in high heat and humidity, mold, mildew, and fungus can grow and be detrimental to film. Starting from the edge of the film and working its way in, the biological agent will eat away at the emulsion and once the image is gone, it is gone forever.

Early signs of mold are white blotches along the side of the reel. If signs of mold are caught early, the agents can be removed with a thorough cleaning and prevented with proper storage.

(Reminder: Not all films in the Byrd collection are in this condition. Prior to acquisition by the Polar Archives, these films were stored in a variety of non-climate controlled environments.  Decomp Week represents only a small fraction of what was uncovered during the collection assessment. Most films are in good and preservable condition.)

Early stages of mold growth.

As fungus grows, it develops a lace pattern along the side of the reel and usually hints at the extent of damage caused.

I’m pretty sure this is a person eaten away by mold…