nitrate film safety

Nitrate film, once common for movies and photography, is highly combustible and subject to deterioration over time, risking fire hazards and loss of material. It can spontaneously ignite if damaged or improperly stored, and fires involving nitrate film burn intensely and uncontrollably. To ensure safety, nitrate film must be stored in specialized facilities with fire suppression systems, kept cool and dry, and handled by trained personnel. Due to these dangers, most nitrate film is now replaced by safety film, but preserved nitrate collections require strict safety protocols to prevent accidents and preserve historical materials.