Wide or rapid fluctuations of the environment are equally detrimental to the long term preservation of sound artifacts. Acetate discs Shrinkage of the lacquer coating due to the loss of plasticizer is the primary destructive force of these discs. Excess moisture will accelerate plasticizer loss. Acetate discs decompose continuously, and over time react with water vapour or oxygen to produce acids that in turn act as catalysts for several other chemical reactions. One of these is the release of palmitic acid, a white waxy substance.
Acetate discs are very susceptible to fungus growth.
Excess heat will probably accelerate the loss of the coating adhesion. Vulcanite discs are adversely affected by elevated levels of light, heat and humidity. In response to light and heat, Vulcanite loses sulfur. Light induces oxidation and form oxides of sulfur and sulfuric acid in the presence of humidity. The acidity builds up to a level at which the degrading material is attacked and eventually decomposed.