Unless we are taking precautions to ensure that we are using safe materials, we might as well place our beautiful scrapbook pages in a magnetic album or stuff them in a drawer. Few scrapbookers would do that, but many of us do not know very much about photo preservation, what is safe, what is unsafe and WHY certain materials should be used or avoided. I hope that these terms and definitions will help you gain a better basic knowledge. If after reading this page, you still want or need more information, a suggested reading list follows. Acid - In chemistry, a substance capable of forming hydrogen ions when dissolved in water.
Acids can weaken cellulose in paper, board, and cloth, leading to embrittlement.
Acids may also be introduced by migration from other materials or from atmospheric pollution. Discoloration and embrittlement are attributed to acid. This term is sometimes used incorrectly as a synonym for alkaline or buffered. Acid migration - the transfer of acid from an acidic material to a less acidic material or pH neutral material. Acid migration may occur directly, when two materials are in intimate contact.