nitrate film degradation

Nitrate film degradation occurs because nitrate film contains flammable and chemically unstable materials that break down over time. This breakdown produces acids and gases that cause the film to become brittle, shrink, or crumble, and can also lead to color fading and loss of image clarity. Environmental factors like heat, humidity, and exposure to light accelerate this process. Because nitrate film is highly flammable and deteriorates naturally, it requires careful preservation in controlled conditions to prevent loss of irreplaceable historical and cinematic footage.