A-D Strips Film Deterioration Monitors

A-D Strips are dye-coated paper strips that detect and measure the severity of acetate film deterioration, a.k.a. vinegar syndrome, in film collections.

When placed inside a closed can, bag, box or cabinet in the presence of acidic vapour given off by degrading film A-D Strips change colour to indicate the severity of the level of acidity.

Each kit contains; complete instructions, a reference pencil printed with four bands of colour that correspond to the level of acidity, as well as 250 detector strips (measuring 38 x 10mm).

Three types of plastic have been used in film manufacture:

1. Nitrate was used from 1890 to 1950
2. acetate from 1925 to the present
3. polyester from 1960 to the present

A-D Strips are recommended for use only with acetate film. The film may be in any format: sheet film, roll film, cinema film, or microfilm.