It scratches easily and develops static electricity which attracts dust. Dust, particularly dust formed by oil or gas heat, is harmful to photographs. Hang photographs on an inside wall away from fireplaces or heating units. Do not hang photographs where they will receive direct sunlight. Store black and white prints separately from color prints.
Color prints pose special problems because they are so unstable.
Do not expect color prints, no matter how well-stored to last as long as black and white prints. Polyvinyl photograph sleeves are not safe. Look for polyester, polyethylene or polypropylene pages which install in ring binders. An inexpensive and safe method of storing prints is to put them loose and flat in a box made of acid-free cardboard, chemically inert plastic or steel with a baked enamel finish. If the photographs are interleaved to prevent them from sticking to each other, the paper should be acid-free.