PAT Questions & Answers

Are materials advertised as “archival” safe to use?

There is no standard or legal definition for the word "archival." The fact is that manufacturers can use the word in their advertising regardless of the quality of their product. However, most manufacturers are dedicated to producing quality products for the storage of photographic materials. The PAT is the best indication that materials have been manufactured to U.S. and worldwide standards.

If a paper or board is “acid free” does it have to pass the PAT?

Yes. Acid is only one of the problems associated with enclosures. The emission of oxidants is another, and in fact, it is probably more of a threat to the enclosed images than acid. Enclosure components such as glues, inks, and chemical additives also may cause image degradation.

Is it necessary to test enclosure materials that don't come into direct contact with the image?

Boxes or other types of enclosures that hold several images, even if those images are in envelopes or sleeves, should be tested too. Many of the harmful chemicals in poor-quality enclosures can become airborne and over time work their way to the photograph.

Does the PAT cover physical problems like blocking or abrasion?

No. The PAT was designed to screen enclosures for possible chemical reactions with photographs. There are other tests that can screen for potential physical damage such as blocking and abrasion. IPI performs these tests too , but they are not part of the PAT.

If the material passes the black-and-white PAT, is it safe for color?

Not necessarily. While both types of photos have gelatin that can become stained, color materials also incorporate invisible residual dye couplers, which can be converted into additional yellow stain over time. Therefore, a bad enclosure may stain a color print more than a black-and-white print. Still other photographic processes (such as diazo, thermal dye transfer, and electrostatic print) have their own peculiar deterioration forms. Each enclosure should be tested with the imaging process it is intended to come in contact with, as well as with the required black-and-white detectors.

If I use only enclosures that have passed the PAT, will my collection last forever?

Unfortunately, no collection will last forever. The first and most important step in any preservation program for photographic materials is control of temperature and relative humidity. As yet, no type of enclosure can completely protect photographs from a high-humidity, high-temperature environment. However, the PAT will eliminate enclosures that may exacerbate problems associated with a less-than-perfect environment.